Nitroarenes: The rediscovery of their photochemistry opens new avenues in organic synthesis

Since 2008, synthetic organic photochemistry has experienced a renaissance, unlocking novel reactivities via new activation platforms and introducing unprecedented organic transformations. In the early 20th century, the photochemical properties of nitroarenes were uncovered; however, only very recently have these been thoroughly appreciated and harnessed, enabling the genesis of alternative, sustainable oxidative protocols. In this perspective, we discuss the photophysical properties of nitroarenes, their ability to react expediently with π systems, their capability of functionalizing sp3 alkanes, and their adoption as photolabile protecting groups, as well as their increasing use in electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes for the initiation of organic transformations.