Photocatalytic cleavage of unactivated C(sp3)–H bonds via the uranyl cation: enabling the allylation of alkanes

Abstract

The direct allylation of C–H bonds is a highly efficient and environmentally friendly method. Herein, a successful allylation of C(sp³)–H bonds using the uranyl cation as a highly efficient direct H atom transfer (d-HAT) agent is reported. Excellent substrate scope was demonstrated. Scale-up experiments and continuous-flow experiments showed the application prospects. The proposed mechanism was verified through Stern–Volmer fluorescence quenching experiments, HR-MS analysis, kinetic isotope effect (KIE) studies, quantum yield measurements and light on/off experiments. Furthermore, this method demonstrates considerable potential for introducing various higher-value functional groups, including carboxyl, ester, cyano, and dialkyl substituents, highlighting its synthetic utility in chemistry.