Iron-catalyzed deconstructive alkylation through chlorine radical induced C–C single bond cleavage under visible light

Abstract

Selective C–C single bond cleavage of simple compounds is a highly challenging and desired process. Herein, a chlorine radical-induced deconstructive C–C bond alkylation with alcohols and alkenes catalyzed by iron salts was reported for the first time. Readily available alcohols and various electron-deficient alkenes were tolerated. Late-stage and large-scale reactions proceed smoothly. This catalyst system shows potential for diversified deconstructive functionalization of simple C–C bonds.