Rapid and Direct Photocatalytic C(sp3)-H Acylation and Arylation in Flow

Herein, we report a photocatalytic procedure that enables the acylation/arylation of unfunctionalized alkyl derivatives in flow. The method exploits the ability of the decatungstate anion to act as a hydrogen atom abstractor and produce nucleophilic carbon-centered radicals that are intercepted by a nickel catalyst to ultimately forge C(sp(3))-C(sp(2)) bonds. Owing to the intensified conditions in flow, the reaction time can be reduced from 12-48 hours to only 5-15 minutes. Finally, kinetic measurements highlight how the intensified conditions do not change the reaction mechanism but reliably speed up the overall process.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates a photocatalytic procedure for the acylation/arylation of unfunctionalized alkyl derivatives in flow, utilizing decatungstate anion and nickel catalyst to form C(sp(3))-C(sp(2)) bonds. The intensified conditions in flow reduce the reaction time significantly, without altering the reaction mechanism, accelerating the overall process.