Visible-light enabled photochemical reduction of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds by Hünig's base

Abstract

Here, we report a visible-light enabled platform for the photochemical reduction of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds to α-hydroxy carbonyl derivatives which utilizes diisopropylethylamine (Hünig's base) as a reductant. This reaction tolerates a wide range of frangible groups such as methylthio, halogens, cyano and heterocycles. Experimental studies and DFT calculations support a double hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) pathway.