An Integrated ¹² C/ ¹³ C Exchange Platform for Accessing Isotopically-Labeled Ketones via Dual Catalytic C–C Bond-Functionalization

Herein, we describe an integrated diacylation/acylation platform that formally converts simple ketones into their ¹³C-labeled homologues. The method relies on the propensity of proaromatic dihydroquinazolinones to generate open-shell species via C-C bond-functionalization aided by photoinduced single-electron transfer prior to interception with a properly labeled ¹³C-carbonyl derivative. The protocol is characterized by its broad applicability, thus offering a distinct gateway to access ¹³C-labeled ketones from their parent nonlabeled analogues.