Selective Photoinduced Reduction of Nitroarenes to N-Arylhydroxylamines.

We report the selective photoinduced reduction of nitroarenes to N-arylhydroxylamines. The present methodology facilitates this transformation in the absence of catalyst or additives and uses only light and methylhydrazine. This noncatalytic photoinduced transformation proceeds with a broad scope, excellent functional-group tolerance, and high yields. The potential of this protocol reflects on the selective and straightforward conversion of two general antibiotics, azomycin and chloramphenicol, to the bioactive hydroxylamine species.