C(sp(3))-H Ritter amination by excitation of in situ generated iodine(iii)-BF3 complexes

Visible light excitation of iodine(iii)-BF3 complex enables the formation of carbocations from C(sp(3))-H bonds. The complexes are generated catalytically from iodoarene, carboxylate ligand, the oxidizing agent Selectfluor, and the Lewis acid BF3. This modular catalytic system allows the formation of synthetically valuable amine derivatives without a metal- or photocatalyst.