Ketone-catalyzed photochemical C(sp³)–H chlorination

Photoexcited arylketones catalyze the direct chlorination of C(sp³)–H groups by N- chlorosuccinimide. Acetophenone is the most effective catalyst for functionalization of unactivated C–H groups while benzophenone provides better yields for benzylic C–H functionalization. Activation of both acetophenone and benzophenone can be achieved by irradiation with a household compact fluorescent lamp. This light-dependent reaction provides a better control of the reaction as compared to the traditional chlorination methods that proceed through a free radical chain propagation mechanism.