Alkylpyridylation of Styrenes via a Synergistic Merger of Triplet Ketone Catalysis and Aminyl Radical Transfer (ART) Strategy

In the present manuscript, we describe the development of a protocol for the alkylpyridylation of styrenes, enabled by the synergistic combination of triplet ketone catalysis and an aminyl radical transfer (ART) strategy. A wide variety of alkylboronic acids or boronates and substituted 4-cyanopyridines act as the alkyl and pyridyl sources, respectively, and react with styrenes to deliver the corresponding dicarbofunctionalized products in good yields. Mechanistic studies indicate the generation of alkyl radicals under the reaction conditions, and the activation of alkylboronic acids or boronates occurs through the ART pathway.