Phosphoric Acid Mediated Light‐Induced Minisci C−H Alkylation of N‐Heteroarenes

Abstract

AbstractHerein, we report an environmentally‐friendly light‐induced Minisci alkylation of N‐heteroarenes with a broad substrate scope using diphenyl phosphate as catalyst under metal‐ and photocatalyst‐free conditions. The radical precursor redox‐active esters (RAEs) were introduced as alkylating reagents for the functionalization of N‐heteroarene derivatives including pyridine, quinoline, and isoquinoline. Mechanistic studies suggested that diphenyl phosphate played a key role via hydrogen bonding in the catalytic cycle.