Unlocking the Accessibility of Alkyl/Aryl Radicals from Boronic Acids through EDA Complex Photoactivation

Herein, we present an eco-conscious carbon-carbon coupling reaction using boronic acids as alkyl/aryl radical sources through C-B bond photoactivation by an EDA complex. This method is characterized by its simplicity and efficiency, eliminating the need for photosensitizers, transition-metal catalysts, additives, or prefunctionalized starting materials. The facile derivatization of synthesized products and the capacity for late-stage pharmaceutical modification highlight the versatility and broad applicability of this method. Mechanistic investigations have clarified the radical pathway, emphasizing the crucial role of the EDA complex in initiating the transformation. This strategy offers valuable inspiration for developing green carbon-carbon coupling methods via boronic acid activation and opens new avenues for complex-based EDA transformations.