biostudies-literatureLi QYNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaNational Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)6366https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10567795biostudies-literatureUnknown14(1)The direct and selective coupling of benzenes with aliphatic hydrocarbons is a promising strategy for C(sp²)-C(sp³) bond formation using readily available starting materials, yet it remains a significant challenge. In this study, we have developed a simplified photochemical system that incorporates catalytic amounts of iron(III) halides as multifunctional reagents and air as a green oxidant to address this synthetic problem. Under mild conditions, the reaction between a strong C(sp²)-H bond and a robust C(sp³)-H bond has been achieved, affording a broad range of cross-coupling products with high yields and commendable chemo-, site-selectivity. The iron halide acts as a multifunctional reagent that responds to visible light, initiates C-centered rNature communicationsVisible light-triggered selective C(sp²)-H/C(sp³)-H coupling of benzenes with aliphatic hydrocarbons.PMC105677952207120622371237Cheng SHuang TLi QYLin YMGong LYang FYe ZfalseVisible light-triggered selective C(sp²)-H/C(sp³)-H coupling of benzenes with aliphatic hydrocarbons.The direct and selective coupling of benzenes with aliphatic hydrocarbons is a promising strategy for C(sp²)-C(sp³) bond formation using readily available starting materials, yet it remains a significant challenge. In this study, we have developed a simplified photochemical system that incorporates catalytic amounts of iron(III) halides as multifunctional reagents and air as a green oxidant to address this synthetic problem. Under mild conditions, the reaction between a strong C(sp²)-H bond and a robust C(sp³)-H bond has been achieved, affording a broad range of cross-coupling products with high yields and commendable chemo-, site-selectivity. The iron halide acts as a multifunctional reagent that responds to visible light, initiates C-centered r2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Oct2025-04-22T06:50:55.405Z2025-04-05T21:55:52.435ZS-EPMC105677953782144010.1038/s41467-023-42191-9