α-Amino Acids and Peptides as Bifunctional Reagents: Carbocarboxylation of Activated Alkenes via Recycling CO2

Integrating Umpolung and CO2 Shuttling Strategies for the Synthesis of 12C- and 13C-α-Ketoacids from Aldehydes

The direct carboxylation of aldehydes with CO2 is rare due to the polarity mismatch between these two electrophilic substrates. To address this challenge, we propose a sequential approach for synthesizing α-ketoacids from commercially available aldehydes by integrating umpolung and CO2 shuttling strategies. This transition metal-free shuttle carboxylation method enables the transfer of CO2 from triphenylacetic acid potassium salt to thioacetal, eliminating the need for handling pressurized CO2 gas or using specialized equipment, while also enhancing the reaction's functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the use of stoichiometric or slightly excess amounts of triphenylacetic acid potassium salt as a formal CO2 donor makes it suitable for complete 13C labeling of α-ketoacids.

Visible-Light Photoredox-Catalyzed Direct Carboxylation of Tertiary C(sp3)-H Bonds with CO2: Facile Synthesis of All-Carbon Quaternary Carboxylic Acids

Direct carboxylation of C-H bonds with CO2 represents an attractive strategy to synthesize valuable carboxylic acids with high atom, step, and redox economy. Although great progress has been achieved in this field, catalytic carboxylation of tertiary C(sp3)-H bonds still remains challenging due to their inherent inertness and significant steric hindrance. Herein, we report a direct carboxylation of tertiary benzylic C(sp3)-H bonds with CO2 via visible-light photoredox catalysis. Various all-carbon quaternary carboxylic acids, which are of significant importance in medicinal chemistry, are successfully obtained with high yields. This direct carboxylation is characterized by good functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, and mild operational conditions. Furthermore, our methodology enables the efficient and rapid synthesis of key drug or bioactive molecules, such as carbetapentane, caramiphen, and PRE-084 (σ1 receptor agonist), and facilitates various functionalizations of C(sp2)-H bonds using the directing ability of target carboxylic acids, thus highlighting its practical applications. Mechanistic studies indicate that a carbanion, which serves as the key intermediate to react with CO2, is catalytically generated via a single electron reduction of a benzylic radical through a consecutive photoinduced electron transfer process.

Triflic Anhydride Promoted Decarboxylative Functionalization of α-Amino Acids

The decarboxylation of naturally abundant amino acids, followed by subsequent inter- or intramolecular reaction cascades, enables the rapid synthesis of a variety of diverse and high-value amine derivatives. Previous methods have relied heavily on transition metals, involved tedious procedures, or required harsh conditions. Herein, we present a novel reaction cascade for the decarboxylation and nucleophilic functionalization of α-amino acids. This method is characterized by being transition-metal-free, convenient to operate, environmentally friendly and having mild conditions.

Photocatalytic decarboxylation of free carboxylic acids and their functionalization

Visible light mediated decarboxylative functionalization of carboxylic acids and their derivatives has recently emerged as a novel and powerful toolkit for small molecule activation in diverse carbon-carbon and carbon-hetero bond forming reactions. Naturally abundant highly functionalized bench-stable carboxylic acid analogs have been employed as promising alternatives to non-trivial organometallic reagents for mild and eco-benign synthetic transformation with traceless CO2 by-products. In this highlight article, we focus on the development of various photodecarboxylative functionalization strategies along with intra/inter-molecular cyclization via concerted single electron transfer (SET) or energy transfer (ET) pathways. Moreover, widely explored carboxylic acids are systematically classified here into four categories; i.e., α-keto, aliphatic, α,β-unsaturated, and aromatic analogs for a concise overview to the readership. The association of decarboxylative radical species with coupling partners to construct C-C and C-N/O/S/P/X bonds for each analogous acid has been presented in brief.

Photocatalytic Transformation of Organics to Valuable Chemicals - Quo Vadis?

Recent development in photocatalysis is increasingly focused on transforming organic compounds toward producing fine chemicals. Simple, non-selective oxidation reactions (degradation of pollutants) and very demanding solar-to-chemical energy conversion processes (production of solar fuels) face severe economic limitations influenced by still low efficiency and insufficient stability of the systems. Synthesis of fine chemicals, including reductive and oxidative selective transformations, as well as C-C and C-N coupling reactions, can utilise the power of photocatalysis. Herein, we present the recent progress in photocatalytic systems designed to synthesise fine chemicals. In particular, we discuss the factors influencing the efficiency and selectivity of the organic transformations, dividing them into intrinsic (related to individual properties of photocatalysts) and extrinsic (originating from the reaction environment). A rational design of the photocatalytic systems, based on a deep understanding of these factors, opens new perspectives for applied photocatalysis.

Visible-Light-Promoted Cascade Carboxylation/Arylation of Unactivated Alkenes with CO2 for the Synthesis of Carboxylated Indole-Fused Heterocycles

Described here is a visible-light-promoted cascade carboxylation/arylation of indole-tethered unactivated alkenes with CO2 to access various carboxylated indole-fused heterocycles. This reaction is initiated by the addition of a CO2 radical anion to the alkene motif toward an alkyl carbon radical, followed by its addition to the aromatic ring, and then rearomatization to afford the final products. This reaction provides a facile and sustainable protocol for the construction of carboxylated indole-fused heterocycles using CO2 as the carboxylic source.

Photocatalytic Three-Component Acylcarboxylation of Alkenes with CO2

γ-Keto acid is a valuable chemical motif in a wide range of fields including organic, biological, and medicinal chemistry. However, its single-step synthesis is challenging because of the mismatch of the carbonyl polarity and low tolerance of carboxylic acids. Herein, we report the single-step syntheses of γ-keto acids using alkenes and CO2. Our photocatalytic system enabled the transformation of alkenes under mild conditions in high yields (up to 95%) with broad substrate generality (35 examples).

Visible Light Photoredox-Catalyzed Formyl/Carboxylation of Activated Alkenes with Glyoxylic Acid Acetals and CO2

A photoredox-catalyzed sequential α-formyl/carboxylation of alkenes with glyoxylic acid acetals and CO2 has been developed to afford a range of masked γ-formyl esters in good yields, which could be readily transformed into diverse compounds, such as γ-formyl ester, hemiacetal, and 1,4-diol. This reaction features mild conditions, readily available starting materials, and operational simplicity.

Visible-light-driven alkene dicarboxylation with formate and CO2 under mild conditions

Low-cost formate salt was used as the reductant and part of the carboxyl source in a visible-light-driven dicarboxylation of diverse alkenes, including simple styrenes. The highly competing hydrocarboxylation side reaction was successfully overridden. Good yields of products were obtained under mild reaction conditions at ambient temperature and pressure of CO2. The dual role of formate salt may stimulate the discovery of a range of new transformations under mild and friendly conditions.

Recent Advances in Photoinduced Modification of Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins

The chemical modification of biopolymers like peptides and proteins is a key technology to access vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Similarly, the tunable derivatization of individual amino acids is important as they are key building blocks of biomolecules, bioactive natural products, synthetic polymers, and innovative materials. The high diversity of functional groups present in amino acid-based molecules represents a significant challenge for their selective derivatization Recently, visible light-mediated transformations have emerged as a powerful strategy for achieving chemoselective biomolecule modification. This technique offers numerous advantages over other methods, including a higher selectivity, mild reaction conditions and high functional-group tolerance. This review provides an overview of the most recent methods covering the photoinduced modification for single amino acids and site-selective functionalization in peptides and proteins under mild and even biocompatible conditions. Future challenges and perspectives are discussed beyond the diverse types of photocatalytic transformations that are currently available.

Tandem Dual-Site PbCu Electrocatalyst for High-Rate and Selective Glycine Synthesis at Industrial Current Densities

Direct electrosynthesis of high-value amino acids from carbon and nitrogen monomers remains a challenge. Here, we design a tandem dual-site PbCu electrocatalyst for efficient amino acid electrosynthesis. Using oxalic acid (H2C2O4) and hydroxylamine (NH2OH) as the raw reactants, for the first time, we have realized the flow-electrosynthesis of glycine at the industrial current density of 200 mA cm-2 with Faradaic efficiency over 78%. In situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy characterizations reveal a favorable tandem pathway on the dual-site catalyst. Specifically, the Pb site drives the highly selective electroreduction of H2C2O4 to form glyoxylic acid, and the Cu site accelerates the fast hydrogenation of oxime to form a glycine product. A glycine electrosynthesis (GES)-formaldehyde electrooxidation (FOR) assembly is further established, which synthesizes more valuable chemicals (HCOOH, H2) while minimizing energy consumption. Altogether, we introduce a new strategy to enable the one-step electrosynthesis of high-value amino acid from widely accessible monomers.

Reductive Radical-Polar Crossover Enabled Carboxylative Alkylation of Aryl Thianthrenium Salts with CO2 and Styrenes

Carboxylic functionalities are among the pivotal groups in bioactive molecules and in the synthesis of new lead compounds because of their unique character in the formation of hydrogen bonds and the possibility of constructing molecular complexes via amide couplings. We adopt the reductive radical-polar crossover strategy to introduce carboxyalkyl groups into arenes with styrenes and CO2 via thianthrenium salts. This protocol exhibits excellent potential as a straightforward and modular platform for site-selective carboxylative derivation of bioactive molecules.

Visible-Light-Induced Transition-Metal-Free Redox-Neutral Carboxylation of Remote Benzylic C(sp3)-H Bonds via 1,5-Hydrogen Atom Transfer

The direct carboxylation of the benzylic C-H bonds under mild conditions is of great importance and is quite challenging. Herein, we report an approach for the carboxylation of remote benzylic C(sp3)-H bonds by integrating the redox-neutral visible-light photoredox catalysis and the nitrogen-centered 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer. The chemical transformation progresses via consecutive single electron transfer, 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer, formation of benzylic carbanion, and nucleophilic attack on the CO2 steps, thereby enabling access to the desired carboxylation products with moderate to high yields. We also endeavor to recover the CO2 groups generated in situ intramolecularly to achieve carboxylation under a nitrogen atmosphere, resulting in moderate yields of corresponding carboxylation.

Visible-Light Photoredox-Catalyzed Intermolecular α-Aminomethyl/Carboxylative Dearomatization of Indoles with CO2 and α-Aminoalkyl Radical Precursors

Disclosed here is a visible-light photoredox-catalyzed intermolecular sequential α-aminomethyl/carboxylative dearomatization of indoles with CO2 and α-aminoalkyl radical precursors, affording a series of functionalized indoline-3-carboxylic acids and lactams in good yields with high regioselectivity. This multicomponent reaction provides a green and facile method for the synthesis of diverse functionalized indolines by using CO2 as the carboxylic and carbonyl source.

N-Arylation of Amino Acid Esters via an I2-Mediated Metal-Free Multicomponent Benzannulation Strategy

Herein, we present a novel method for the N-arylation of amino acid esters using α-bromoacetaldehyde acetal and acetoacetate via an I2-mediated metal-free benzannulation strategy, which disclosed the first synthetic application of N-arylation of amino acids using nonaromatic building blocks. The synthesized N-arylated amino acid derivatives were found to possess promising selective inhibition against human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cells, human melanoma cells, and human normal liver cells, with an IC50 value as low as 16.79 μg·mL-1.

Straightforward synthesis of functionalized γ-Lactams using impure CO2 stream as the carbon source

Direct utilization of CO2 into organic synthesis finds enormous applications to synthesize pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. However, pure CO2 gas is essential to achieve these transformations, and the purification of CO2 is highly cost and energy intensive. Considering this, we describe a straightforward synthetic route for the synthesis of γ-lactams, a pivotal core structure of bioactive molecules, by using commercially available starting materials (alkenes and amines) and impure CO2 stream (exhaust gas is collected from the car) as the carbon source. This blueprint features a broad scope, excellent functional group compatibility and application to the late-stage transformation of existing pharmaceuticals and natural products to synthesize functionalized γ-lactams. We believe that our strategy will provide direct access to γ-lactams in a very sustainable way and will also enhance the Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) strategy.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Phosphonocarboxylation of Allenes with Phosphine Oxides and CO2

Phosphonocarboxylation of allenes with diarylphosphine oxides and CO2 via visible-light photoredox catalysis was developed for the first time. This work provided practical and sustainable access to highly valuable but otherwise difficult-to-access linear allylic β-phosphonyl carboxylic acids in moderate yields with exclusive regio- and stereoselectivity. This method was also characterized by step and atom economy and transition-metal free and mild conditions. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that allyl-methyl carbanion species are the key intermediates.

α-Amino Acids: An Emerging Versatile Synthon in Visible Light-Driven Decarboxylative Transformations

α-Amino acids have been widely recognized as environmental-benign and non-fossil carbon sources both in biological and synthetic chemistry. In recent years, with the remarkable development of visible-light photocatalysis in organic synthesis, α-amino acid and its derivatives have received tremendous attention as radical precursors via photocatalyzed decarboxylation, thus realizing diverse aminoalkylated transformations or constructions of novel N-bearing heterocyclic motifs by taking advantage of N-atoms from α-amino acid. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on the recent exploitation of α-amino acids in visible light photocatalysis, with particular emphasis on the types of α-amino acids employed and their distinct mechanisms applied wherein.

Photoredox catalysis enabling decarboxylative radical cyclization of γ,γ-dimethylallyltryptophan (DMAT) derivatives: formal synthesis of 6,7-secoagroclavine

An unusual photoredox-catalyzed radical decarboxylative cyclization cascade reaction of γ,γ-dimethylallyltryptophan (DMAT) derivatives containing unactivated alkene moieties has been developed, providing green and efficient access to various six-, seven-, and eight-membered ring 3,4-fused tricyclic indoles. This type of cyclization, which was hitherto very difficult to comprehend in ergot biosynthesis and to accomplish by more conventional procedures, enables the synthesis of ergot alkaloid precursors. In addition, this work describes a mild, environmentally friendly method to activate, reductively and oxidatively, natural carboxylic acids for decarboxylative C-C bond formation by exploiting the same photocatalyst.

Arylcarboxylation of unactivated alkenes with CO2 via visible-light photoredox catalysis

Photocatalytic carboxylation of alkenes with CO₂ is a promising and sustainable strategy to synthesize high value-added carboxylic acids. However, it is challenging and rarely investigated for unactivated alkenes due to their low reactivities. Herein, we report a visible-light photoredox-catalyzed arylcarboxylation of unactivated alkenes with CO₂, delivering a variety of tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylacetic acids, indan-1-ylacetic acids, indolin-3-ylacetic acids, chroman-4-ylacetic acids and thiochroman-4-ylacetic acids in moderate-to-good yields. This reaction features high chemo- and regio-selectivities, mild reaction conditions (1 atm, room temperature), broad substrate scope, good functional group compatibility, easy scalability and facile derivatization of products. Mechanistic studies indicate that in situ generation of carbon dioxide radical anion and following radical addition to unactivated alkenes might be involved in the process.

Carboxylic Acid Salts as Dual-Function Reagents for Carboxylation and Carbon Isotope Labeling

The potassium salts of carboxylic acids are developed as efficient carboxylating agents through CO₂ exchange. We describe these carboxylates as dual-function reagents because they function as a combined source of CO₂ and base/metalating agent. By using the salt of a commercially available carboxylic acid, this protocol overcomes difficulties when using CO₂ gas or organometallic reagents, such as pressurized containers or strictly inert conditions. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions, does not require transition metals or other additives, and shows broad substrate scope. Through the preparation of several biologically important molecules, we show how this strategy provides an opportunity for isotope labeling with low equivalents of labeled CO₂ .

Carboazidation of Terminal Alkenes with Trimethylsilyl Azide and Cyclic Ethers Catalyzed by Copper Powder under Oxidative Conditions

Copper-catalyzed carboazidation of alkenes with trimethylsilyl azide and cyclic ethers has been achieved. The employment of naturally abundant copper catalysts allowed cyclic ethers to be used as alkylating reagents under oxidative conditions. The use of styrene derivatives and 1,1-diaryl alkenes afforded carboazidation products. In addition, application of five- and six-membered cyclic ethers to the present reaction gave target organic molecules bearing azide and cyclic ether groups with perfect regioselectivity. Radical trapping and clock experiments revealed that the present reaction proceeded via the radical pathway. To further demonstrate the utility of this carboazidation reaction, transformations from the azide group to the related nitrogen-containing compounds were also performed.

Aniline assisted dimerization of phenylalanines: convenient synthesis of 2-aroyl-3-arylquinoline in an I2-DMSO system

We herein report an efficient synthesis of 2-aroyl-3-arylquinolines from phenylalanines and anilines. The mechanism involves I₂-mediated Strecker degradation enabled catabolism and reconstruction of amino acids and a cascade aniline-assisted annulation. Both DMSO and water act as oxygen sources in this convenient protocol.

Photocatalytic Carboxylation of C-N Bonds in Cyclic Amines with CO2 by Consecutive Visible-Light-Induced Electron Transfer

Visible-light photocatalytic carboxylation with CO₂ is highly important. However, it still remains challenging for reluctant substrates with low reduction potentials. Herein, we report a novel photocatalytic carboxylation of C-N bonds in cyclic amines with CO₂ via consecutive photo-induced electron transfer (ConPET). It is also the first photocatalytic reductive ring-opening reaction of azetidines, pyrrolidines and piperidines. This strategy is practical to transform a variety of easily available cyclic amines to valuable β-, γ-, δ- and ϵ-amino acids in moderate-to-excellent yields. Moreover, the method also features mild and transition-metal-free conditions, high selectivity, good functional-group tolerance, facile scalability and product derivations. Mechanistic studies indicate that the ConPET might be the key to generating highly reactive photocatalysts, which enable the reductive activation of cyclic amines to generate carbon radicals and carbanions as the key intermediates.

Iron-catalyzed dual decarboxylative coupling of α-amino acids and dioxazolones under visible-light to access amide derivatives

An iron-catalyzed decarboxylative C-N coupling of α-amino acids with dioxazolones is described herein to synthesize amide derivatives under visible-light. The desired products can be given in good to excellent yields under simple, mild, and oxidant-free conditions. This protocol provides a practical route for the transformation of α-amino acids to the corresponding amides. Computational studies were carried out to shed light on the mechanism of this reaction.

Photoredox-Mediated Deoxygenative Radical Additions of Aromatic Acids to Vinyl Boronic Esters and gem-Diborylalkenes

A new method to access β-keto-gem-diborylalkanes, by direct deoxygenative radical addition of aromatic carboxylic acids to gem-dibortlalkenes, is described. The reaction proceeds under mild photoredox catalysis and involves the photochemical C-O bond activation of aromatic carboxylic acids in the presence of PPh3 . It generates an acyl radical, which further undergoes an additional reaction with gem-diborylalkenes to form an α-gem-diboryl alkyl radical intermediate, which then reduces to the corresponding anion, which after protonation, affords the β-keto-gem-diborylalkane product. Moreover, the same scenario has been extended to the vinyl boronic esters, for example, gem-(Ar, Bpin)-alkenes, and gem-(Alkyl, Bpin)-alkenes. Importantly, this protocol provides a general platform for the late-stage functionalization of bio-active and drug molecules containing a carboxylic acid group.

Aldehyde-catalysed carboxylate exchange in α-amino acids with isotopically labelled CO2

The isotopic labelling of small molecules is integral to drug development and for understanding biochemical processes. The preparation of carbon-labelled α-amino acids remains difficult and time consuming, with established methods involving label incorporation at an early stage of synthesis. This explains the high cost and scarcity of C-labelled products and presents a major challenge in 11C applications (11C t1/2 = 20 min). Here we report that aldehydes catalyse the isotopic carboxylate exchange of native α-amino acids with *CO2 (* = 14, 13, 11). Proteinogenic α-amino acids and many non-natural variants containing diverse functional groups undergo labelling. The reaction probably proceeds via the trapping of *CO2 by imine-carboxylate intermediates to generate iminomalonates that are prone to monodecarboxylation. Tempering catalyst electrophilicity was key to preventing irreversible aldehyde consumption. The pre-generation of the imine carboxylate intermediate allows for the rapid and late-stage 11C-radiolabelling of α-amino acids in the presence of [11C]CO2.

Photocatalytic Decarboxylative Coupling of Arylacetic Acids with Aromatic Aldehydes

An efficient protocol was proposed for the preparation of secondary alcohols in good to excellent yields via photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative couplings between readily available arylacetic acids and a variety of less reactive (hetero)aromatic aldehydes. The formation of carbanion is the key intermediate in this reaction. Various substituted arylacetic acids and aldehydes were all compatible with this transformation under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, the current protocol was successfully applied to the direct alcoholization of several drug acids.

α-Thianthrenium Carbonyl Species: The Equivalent of an α-Carbonyl Carbocation

Here we report an α-thianthrenium carbonyl species, as the equivalent of an α-carbonyl carbocation, which is generated by the radical conjugate addition of a trifluoromethyl thianthrenium salt to Michael acceptors. The reactivity allows for the synthesis of Cα -tetrasubstituted α- and β-amino acid analogues via a Ritter reaction by addition of acetonitrile. Addition of hydroxide, methoxide, and even fluoride can afford α-heteroatom substituted α-phenylpropanoates.

Azodioxy compounds as precursors for C-radicals and their application in thermal styrene difunctionalization

An atom-economic thermal α,β-difunctionalization of various styrenes with readily prepared azodioxy compounds is reported. Mechanistic studies reveal that the starting azodioxy compounds can thermally be cleaved to the corresponding C-nitroso compounds, which under these thermal conditions further homolyze to generate reactive C-radicals along with the persistent NO radical. In the presence of a styrene, C-radical addition with subsequent nitrosylation followed by tautomerization is occurring, resulting in an overall styrene β-alkylation-α-oximation reaction.

Base-Promoted 5-exo-dig Cyclization of o-Alkynylamides or 2-En-4-ynamides with CO2 toward Fully Substituted Acrylates

A base-promoted sequential cyclization and carboxylation of o-alkynylamides or 2-en-4-ynamides with CO₂ has been achieved with high efficiency, stereoselectivity, and regioselectivity. This approach begins with 5-exo-dig cyclization followed by trapping the resulting vinyl anion with CO₂ and MeI, which provides a convenient access to diverse cyclic and fully substituted acrylates with CO₂ as the carboxylic source.

Photo-induced trifunctionalization of bromostyrenes via remote radical migration reactions of tetracoordinate boron species

Tetracoordinate boron species have emerged as radical precursors via deboronation by photo-induced single electron transfer (SET) pathway. These reactions usually produce an alkyl radical and boron-bound species, and the valuable boron species are always discarded as a by-product. Given the importance of boron species, it will be very attractive if the two parts could be incorporated into the eventual products. Herein we report a photo-catalyzed strategy in which in situ generated tetracoordinated boron species decomposed into both alkyl radicals and boron species under visible light irradiation, due to the pre-installation of a vinyl group on the aromatic ring, the newly generated alkyl radical attacks the vinyl group while leaving the boron species on ipso-position, then both radical part and boron moiety are safely incorporated into the final product. Tertiary borons, secondary borons, gem-diborons as well as 1,2-diborons, and versatile electrophiles are all well tolerated under this transformation, of note, ortho-, meta- and para-bromostyrenes all demonstrated good capabilities. The reaction portraits high atom economy, broad substrate scope, and diversified valuable products with tertiary or quaternary carbon center generated, with diborons as substrates, Csp²-B and Csp³-B are established simultaneously, which are precious synthetic building blocks in chemical synthesis.

Tetracoordinate boron species are common radical precursors in organic synthesis, but the boron species are discarded as by-products. Herein the authors report a strategy to incorporate both the alkyl moiety and boron species into the eventual products, yielding organoboron compounds.

Boryl Radical Activation of Benzylic C-OH Bond: Cross-Electrophile Coupling of Free Alcohols and CO2 via Photoredox Catalysis

A new strategy for the direct cleavage of the C(sp³)-OH bond has been developed via activation of free alcohols with neutral diphenyl boryl radical generated from sodium tetraphenylborate under mild visible light photoredox conditions. This strategy has been verified by cross-electrophile coupling of free alcohols and carbon dioxide for the synthesis of carboxylic acids. Direct transformation of a range of primary, secondary, and tertiary benzyl alcohols to acids has been achieved. Control experiments and computational studies indicate that activation of alcohols with neutral boryl radical undergoes homolysis of the C(sp³)-OH bond, generating alkyl radicals. After reducing the alkyl radical into carbon anion under photoredox conditions, the following carboxylation with CO₂ affords the coupling product.

Chemoselective Transfer Hydrogenation of Enamides Using Ru Pincer Complexes for the Synthesis of α-Amino Acids

The chemoselective reduction of enamides to α-amino acids with iPrOH and EtOH as H-donors and solvents catalyzed by Ru pincer complexes is demonstrated. A range of α-amino acids is synthesized in good to excellent yields. Applications, large scale, and a one-pot experiment are also reported. Finally, deuterium-labeling experiments show high regioselectivity between the α- and β-positions of the alkene unit.

Direct decarboxylative Giese reactions

The quest to find milder and more sustainable methods to generate highly reactive, carbon-centred intermediates has led to a resurgence of interest in radical chemistry. In particular, carboxylic acids are seen as attractive radical precursors due their availability, low cost, diversity, and sustainability. Moreover, the corresponding nucleophilic carbon-radical can be easily accessed through a favourable radical decarboxylation process, extruding CO₂ as a traceless by-product. This review summarizes the recent progress on using carboxylic acids directly as convenient radical precursors for the formation of carbon-carbon bonds via the 1,4-radical conjugate addition (Giese) reaction.

Synthesis of γ-amino acids via photocatalyzed intermolecular carboimination of alkenes

We report a direct approach to achieve the energy transfer-driven carboimination of alkenes for the synthesis of a diverse collection of valuable γ-amino acids.

Catalyst-free visible light-induced decarboxylative amination of glycine derivatives with azo compounds

A visible light-induced, catalyst-free decarboxylative amination of glycine derivatives with azo compounds was achieved to deliver functionalized aminals under mild reaction conditions.

Direct 1,2-Dicarbonylation of Alkenes towards 1,4-Diketones via Photocatalysis

1,4-Dicarbonyl compounds are intriguing motifs and versatile precursors in numerous pharmaceutical molecules and bioactive natural compounds. Direct incorporation of two carbonyl groups into a double bond at both ends is straightforward, but also challenging. Represented herein is the first example of 1,2-dicarbonylation of alkenes by photocatalysis. Key to success is that N(n-Bu)₄ ⁺ not only associates with the alkyl anion to avoid protonation, but also activates the α-keto acid to undergo electrophilic addition. The α-keto acid is employed both for acyl generation and electrophilic addition. By tuning the reductive and electrophilic ability of the acyl precursor, unsymmetric 1,4-dicarbonylation is achieved for the first time. This metal-free, redox-neutral and regioselective 1,2-dicarbonylation of alkenes is executed by a photocatalyst for versatile substrates under extremely mild conditions and shows great potential in biomolecular and drug molecular derivatization.