Organophotoredox catalysis in C–C cross-coupling reactions by a phosphonium ylide

Organophotoredox-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions between aryl halides and N-methylpyrroles are demonstrated. The excited state of a phosphonium ylide reduces the aryl halides to generate the corresponding aryl radicals that add to N-methylpyrrole. A series of 2-arylated pyrroles were obtained in moderate to good yields in the presence of a phosphonium ylide catalyst under visible-light irradiation. This protocol can be applied not only to the reactions of 1,3-dimethylindole but also to the reactions of 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene.