Decarboxylative and Deoxygenative/Decarbonylative Alkylation of Heterocycles with α-Keto Acids

Organic Letters 2026

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Authors: Zelin Zhao, Qian Jing, Haiqin Liu, Nan Liu, David James Young, Zhi‐Gang Ren, Hong‐Xi Li
DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6c00440
Cited by: 0
References: 49

Abstract

The visible-light-assisted, self-promoted decarboxylative and deoxygenative alkylation of heterocycles from aromatic α-keto acids has been achieved without an added transition-metal catalyst, photocatalyst, or reductant under 400 nm LED irradiation at room temperature. This methodology is mild, straightforward, and suitable for a wide range of substrates. The α-oxycarboxylic acids act as the reagent, photosensitizer, and reductant. Additionally, reaction of a heterocycle with secondary or tertiary alkyl keto acids gives decarboxylative and decarbonylative alkylated products.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Radical Photochemical Reactions Advanced Synthetic Organic Chemistry Chemical Reactions and Mechanisms

Publication details

Journal / source
Organic Letters
Volume
28
Issue
8
Pages
2801–2806
Publication date
12 February 2026
Language
EN