Site-selective desaturation of C(sp3)–C(sp3) bonds via photoinduced ruthenium catalysis

Abstract

Ruthenium(II) photocatalysis has emerged as one of the most advanced tools in modern synthetic chemistry, but its catalytic mode is generally limited to single-electron transfer and triplet energy transfer events. Herein, we introduce a dual function ruthenium(II) catalytic system by intertwining single-electron transfer with its innate transition metal catalytic activity. This approach allows for the efficient desaturation of various amide and alcohol derivatives in a highly regio- and stereoselective fashion under mild conditions. Further, an interesting radical-triggered cascade 1,5-HAT/Heck-type coupling could also be achieved through this photoinduced Ru catalysis.