Acylation of N-Heterocycles via Ligand to Metal Charge Transfer on Bismuth(III)

Abstract

We hereby report an efficient protocol for carrying out cross-dehydrogenative acylation of N-heterocycles tailored upon bismuth LMCT. Under mild reaction conditions, the current protocol takes advantage of inexpensive, non-toxic BiCl3 as a photocatalyst. The approach provides a simplified, high-yield pathway for acylated N-heterocycles, thereby advancing the catalytic utility of bismuth in organic synthesis. Further mechanistic investigations were carried out to probe the reaction mechanism.