Direct photocatalytic C-H functionalization mediated by a molybdenum dioxo complex.

Direct photocatalytic C-H activation mediated by MoO 2 Cl 2 (bpy- t Bu), a unique photoactive metal OXO, is presented. The limiting step, reoxidation to the Mo dioxo, is evaluated and proposed to occur via a key Cl - loss event. Photocatalyst degradation occurs upon substitution of bpy- t Bu with H 2 O generated during catalysis.