Visible-Light-Promoted Pyridylation-Thioesterification of Alkenes Leading to β-Pyridyl-Thioesters and their Inhibitory Activities against Human Hepatoma Cells

A visible-light-induced pyridylation-thioesterification of alkenes with 4-cyanopyridines and thioacids has been developed. This transformation could provide a series of structurally diverse β-pyridyl-thioesters in moderate to good yields at room temperature. The advantages of this protocol are highlighted by its characteristics of clean energy source, mild conditions, and good compatibility of functional groups. Notably, β-pyridyl-thioesters have exhibited significant inhibitory activities against human hepatoma cell line (HepG2).