Synthesis of aryl thiocyanates and aryl selenocyanates via visible light activation of arylazo sulfones

Two visible-light mediated protocols
(based on a copper photoredox catalyzed and on a
photochemical reaction, respectively) for the preparation
of aryl thiocyanates and aryl selenocyanates
from arylazo sulfones are presented herein, by
exploiting the peculiar photoreactivity and redox
activity of such substrates. The developed reactions
take place in good to satisfactory yields and with a
large scope.