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

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