Photoredox-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral Minisci C-H Formylation of N-Heteroarenes

We report a protocol for redox-neutral Minisci C-H formylation of N-heteroarenes using 1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl 2,2-diethoxyacetate as a formyl equivalent at room temperature. This scalable benchtop protocol offers a distinct advantage over traditional reductive carbonylation and Minisci C-H formylation methods in not requiring the use of carbon monoxide, pressurized gas, a stoichiometric reductant, or a stoichiometric oxidant.