Under mild conditions, uranyl nitrate catalyzed C(sp3)-center/azole coupling without external additives, offering a broad substrate scope and high yields (up to 95%). The method was further validated under sunlight and in scale-up experiments, highlighting its industrial potential. Experimental and theoretical studies show that uranyl nitrate acts via both hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) and non-HAT concerted proton-electron transfer mechanisms. This approach provides a green, efficient protocol for C(sp3)-azole bond formation.
Luo et al. (Fri,) studied this question.