Desulfonative photoredox alkylation of <i>N</i>-heteroaryl sulfones – an acid-free approach for substituted heteroarene synthesis

Abstract

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 (<i>e.g.</i>, strong acids, stoichiometric amount of oxidants, elevated temperatures, <i>etc.</i>). 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.