Photocatalytic Decarboxylative Alkylation of Cyclic Imine-BF3 Complexes: A Modular Route to Functionalized Azacycles

J Am Chem Soc. 2024 Sep 25;146(38):26331-26339. doi: 10.1021/jacs.4c08754. Epub 2024 Sep 12.

Abstract

Alkyl radicals generated via an acridine photocatalyzed decarboxylation reaction of feedstock carboxylic acids engage with a range of cyclic imine-BF3 complexes to provide α-functionalized azacycles in an operationally simple process. A three-component variant of this transformation incorporating [1.1.1]propellane as an additional reaction partner enables the synthesis of valuable bicyclopentane (BCP)-containing azacycles. Reactions exhibit good functional group compatibility, enabling late-stage modification of complex bioactive molecules.