Photodecarboxylative Benzylations of N-Methoxyphthalimide under Batch and Continuous-Flow Conditions

A series of photodecarboxylative benzylations of N-methoxyphthalimide were successfully realised using easily accessible starting materials. The reactions proceeded smoothly and the corresponding benzylated hydroxyphthalimidines were obtained in moderate to good yields of 52–73 %. No competing photoinduced dealkoxylation of the N-methoxy group was observed. The reaction with potassium phenylacetate was subsequently investigated in an advanced continuous-flow photoreactor. The reactor allowed rapid optimization of the reaction conditions and gave the desired benzylated product in higher yield and shorter irradiation time compared with the batch process.