Rapid and Modular 1,2-Carboheterofunctionalization of Diverse Alkenes via Photoredox and RLT Catalysis

Abstract

We developed a mild photoredox- and iron-mediated radical ligand transfer (RLT) reaction system that enables the direct 1,2-carboheterofunctionalization of alkenes with a broad substrate scope. This transformation accommodates diverse radical precursors bearing various functional groups, a wide range of alkenes, and heteroatom-containing pseudohalogens, allowing efficient and selective installation of C–heteroatom bonds under visible-light irradiation. This method exhibits high chemoselectivity and functional group tolerance and is readily applicable to structurally complex bioactive molecules and natural product derivatives. The practical utility of this method is further demonstrated through successful multiscale reactions and versatile downstream derivatizations of the resulting products. In addition, comprehensive mechanistic investigations, including density functional theory (DFT) calculations, provide detailed insight into the underlying radical pathways and elucidate the key role of the iron-mediated RLT process in this transformation.