Practical photocatalytic hydroalkylation of alkenes with chloroacetates mediated by the formate ion

Abstract

Processes that use commodity chemicals as substrates and reagents and that result in the formation of the C,C bond are highly desirable. Herein, a method for the radical alkylation of simple alkenes with readily available derivatives of chloracetic acid is described. Sodium formate serves as a stoichiometric reducing agent, and an organic cyanoarene type photocatalyst is used under blue light irradiation.