Decarboxylative and Deoxygenative/Decarbonylative Alkylation of Heterocycles with α-Keto Acids

The visible-light-assisted, self-promoted decarboxylative and deoxygenative alkylation of heterocycles from aromatic α-keto acids has been achieved without an added transition-metal catalyst, photocatalyst, or reductant under 400 nm LED irradiation at room temperature. This methodology is mild, straightforward, and suitable for a wide range of substrates. The α-oxycarboxylic acids act as the reagent, photosensitizer, and reductant. Additionally, reaction of a heterocycle with secondary or tertiary alkyl keto acids gives decarboxylative and decarbonylative alkylated products.