Direct Photoexcitation of Xanthate Anions for Deoxygenative Alkenylation of Alcohols

Org Lett. 2022 May 6;24(17):3199-3204. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c00889. Epub 2022 Apr 25.

Abstract

In this report, we identify xanthate salts as a unique class of visible-light-excitable alkyl radical precursors that act simultaneously as strong photoreductants and alkyl radical sources. Upon direct photoexcitation of xanthate anions, efficient deoxygenative alkenylation and alkylation of a wide range of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols have been achieved via a one-pot protocol, avoiding any photocatalysts. This method exhibits a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance, enabling late-stage functionalization of complex molecules.