One-Step Photoreduction of Nitroarenes to Nitrosoarenes

Nitrosoarenes are versatile synthons, but their selective synthesis from abundant feedstocks remains challenging because conventional methods often require harsh conditions that can result in over-reduction and over-oxidation. Here, we report a photomediated deoxygenation of nitroarenes to nitrosoarenes using electron-poor phosphines as oxygen atom acceptors. Careful selection of the oxygen atom acceptor enables selective arrest at the nitroso oxidation state, affording nitrosoarenes directly from nitroarenes in good yields under mild conditions.