Metal-free synthesis of biarenes via photoextrusion in di(tri)arylphosphates

A metal-free route for the synthesis of biarenes has been developed. This approach is based on the photoextrusion of a phosphate moiety occurring upon irradiation of biaryl- and triarylphosphates. The reaction involved an exciplex as the intermediate and it is especially suitable for the preparation of electron-rich biarenes.