A visible light-mediated deoxygenation protocol for the synthesis of dipeptides, amides and esters without racemization

Abstract

A green and sustainable visible light-induced triphenylphosphine-promoted deoxygenation strategy to generate acyl radicals from commercially available amino acids has been developed. A wide range of dipeptides, amides and esters were obtained in good yields (77–94%) without epimerization. This strategy has advantages of a short reaction time, no requirement for dry solvents or an inert atmosphere, operationally simple conditions, a broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance.