Zheng-Jun Wang, Shuai Zheng, Jennifer K. Matsui, Zhipeng Lu and Gary A. Molander
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 4389-4393
DOI:
10.1039/C9SC00776H,
Edge Article
Minisci-type alkylation of electron-deficient heteroarenes has been a pivotal technique for medicinal chemists in the synthesis of drug-like molecules. However, such transformations usually require harsh conditions (e.g., strong acids, stoichiometric amount of oxidants, elevated temperatures, etc.). Herein, by utilizing photoredox catalysis, a highly-selective alkylation method using heteroaryl sulfones has been developed that can be carried out under acid-free and redox-neutral conditions. Because of these mild conditions, challenging yet privileged structures, such as monosaccharides and unprotected secondary amines, can be installed.