Selective functionalization of graphene at defect activated sites by arylazocarboxylic tert‐butylesters

The development of versatile functionalization concepts for graphene are currently in the focus of research. With oxo‐functionalization of graphite the full surface of graphene becomes accessible for C‐C bond formation to introduce out‐of‐plane functionality. Here, we present the arylation of graphene by arylazocarboxylic tert‐butylesters, which generates aryl radicals after activation by acids. Surprisingly, the degree of functionalization is related to the concentration of lattice vacancy defects of graphene. Consequently, graphene, which is free from lattice defects is not reactive. The reaction can be applied to graphene dispersed in solvents and leads to bitopic functionalization, as well as monotopic functionalization if graphene is deposited on surfaces. Since the arylazocarboxylic tert‐butylester moiety can be attached to various molecules, the presented method paves the way to functional graphene derivatives with the density of defects determining the degree of functionalization.

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