A functionalized ruthenium-graphene nanosheet photocatalyst for highly regioselective visible light driven C–H arylation of imidazo-pyrimidines

A novel BODIPY functionalized ruthenium-nitrogen doped graphene nanosheet photocatalyst is reported herein for the regioselective direct C–H arylation of imidazo-pyrimidines at the C-3 position with excellent functional-group tolerance. Organic transformation is achieved under visible light irradiation in high yields and selectivity (∼99%) using this photocatalyst. The results are a benchmark example for the use of functionalized graphene nanosheets as a highly practical and efficient visible light active photocatalyst for carrying out regioselective direct C–H arylation.