Photoinduced direct 4-pyridination of C(sp3)–H Bonds

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Direct substitution of hydrogen in C(sp3)–H bonds by 4-pyridine was achieved by employing benzophenone and 4-cyanopyridine in aqueous acetonitrile under photo-irradiating conditions. This simple and mild 4-pyridination proceeds in a highly chemoselective manner especially at benzylic C(sp3)–H bonds without affecting polar functional groups, and enables intermolecular formation of sterically hindered bonds between alkylaromatics and 4-pyridine. The present methodology thus serves as a powerful tool for construction of biologically active and functional molecules with 4-pyridine substructures.