N-Heterocyclic Carbene/Organic Photoredox-Cocatalyzed Acyl Azolation of Alkenes with Acyl Azoles

We have developed the N-heterocyclic carbene/organic photoredox-cocatalyzed acyl azolation of styrenes using acyl azoles. The cooperative action of organic photoredox catalysis and NHC catalysis enabled C-N bond cleavage of the acyl azole and the insertion of the C-C double bond in styrene with complete regioselectivity. The radical cation species, generated by single electron oxidation of alkene, subsequently reacted with the nitrogen nucleophile and ketyl radical intermediate to accomplish insertion of alkene into the C-N bond.