Visible light-induced direct alkylation of the purine C8–H bond with ethers

Abstract

The one-step visible light-induced direct alkylation of the C₈–H bond for purine derivatives by ethers was developed using Eosin Y as the photocatalyst and t-BuOOH as the oxidant at room temperature. This method describes the coupling of the α-C of the ether to the C₈ of purine. Of particular interest is that substrates include purines with various functional groups and even unprotected 9H-purines. The protocol provides an effective method for the synthesis of 8-alkylpurine derivatives with high atom economy and high regioselectivity.