Photocatalytic aerobic α-thiolation/annulation of carbonyls with mercaptobenzimidazoles†
Abstract
A concise aerobic photocatalysis using a blue LED combined with a Lewis acid has been developed to enable α-thiolation/annulation of carbonyls. Inexpensive, nontoxic Rose Bengal was demonstrated as the best catalyst. Hence, this transition-metal-free protocol allows mild Csp3–S couplings with both ketones and aliphatic aldehydes with a range of compatible useful functionalities.
- This article is part of the themed collection: Catalysis & biocatalysis in OBC