Photoreductive N–N\nHomocoupling Catalyzed by\na Superphotoreductant

Azines are valuable synthons or target molecules in organic\nsynthesis.\nIn this work, we report that <b>CBZ6</b> could work as a photoreductive\ncatalyst for the N–N homocoupling of oximes in high efficiency.\nThis therefore enabled convenient access to a large variety of azines\nfrom the corresponding aryl and alkyl ketones, as well as aryl aldehydes\nin up to 99% yield. 2,4-Dinitrophenoxyl was used as the recyclable\nauxiliary and the <b>CBZ6</b> photocatalyst could also be recycled.\nThese together with the low catalyst loading (2 mol % of <b>CBZ6</b>), the short reaction time (4 h), and the nontoxic DMSO solvent make\nthe current process a sustainable and practical alternative to the\nclassic methods.