Red-Light Photoredox C–H Alkylation of Acceptor Heterocycles Enabled by Substoichiometric NADH

Organic Letters 2026 Open access

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Authors: Uxía Deus-Lorenzo, Riccardo Di Forti, Alejandro Cadranel, María Tomás‐Gamasa, José L. Mascareñas, Mauro Mato
DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6c01113
Cited by: 3
References: 44

Abstract

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide NADH is a key redox mediator in biology and biocatalysis, yet its catalytic use in non-enzymatic synthetic chemistry remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that NADH can act as a substoichiometric reductive quencher in red-light photoredox catalysis, enabling a redox-neutral C(sp 2 )–H alkylation of acceptor heterocycles. This strategy reduces waste and leads to excellent yields and selectivity by suppressing overreduction. The reaction proceeds in air, under mild, aqueous-compatible conditions and operates in biorelevant media, establishing NADH as a cofactor for artificial red-light photoredox catalysis.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Enzyme Catalysis and Immobilization Radical Photochemical Reactions Cyclopropane Reaction Mechanisms

Publication details

Journal / source
Organic Letters
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
28
Issue
17
Pages
5508–5514
Publication date
21 April 2026
Language
EN