Neutrally photoinduced MgCl2-catalyzed alkenylation and imidoylation of alkanes

Abstract

We report a practical protocol for the oxidation of the chloride ion (Cl⁻) to the chlorine radical (Cl˙) via photoinduced MgCl₂ catalysis, avoiding the use of strong acids, formal oxidants, and photocatalysts. Visible light plays a crucial role in enabling the Cl radical formation from Cl⁻ through electron transfer. The thus formed reactive chlorine radical facilitates hydrogen atom abstraction of light alkanes and enables efficient alkenylation and imidoylation with organic sulfones under redox-neutral and acid-free conditions. The use of readily available alkanes and a broad substrate scope make this strategy attractive for the construction of value-added chemicals.