Visible Light-Induced Divergent Deoxygenation/Hydroxymethylation of Pyridine <i>N</i>-Oxides

This study explores the deoxygenation of pyridine <i>N</i>-oxides and presents a one-step photoredox method for the direct synthesis of 2-hydroxymethylated pyridines from pyridine <i>N</i>-oxides. Mechanism studies elucidate the role of the catalyst and provide evidence of the possible electron transfer process and the formation of key radicals. A range of pyridine derivatives, particularly 2-hydroxymethyl-substituted pyridines, which may be difficult to obtain, can be synthesized in a single step.