Photochemical Mono- and Bis-decarboxylation of Dicarboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives

Abstract

Photochemical decarboxylation reactions have emerged as powerful strategies for forging carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds in organic synthesis. This present review summarizes recent advances in the mono- and bis-decarboxylation of dicarboxylic acids and their derivatives via photochemical mechanisms. A particular emphasis is placed on the involvement of diverse intermediates and their distinct mechanistic pathways, along with the utility of the discussed transformations in the late-stage functionalization of complex molecules and the total synthesis of natural products. It is anticipated that this short review will stimulate new ideas and more efforts to explore the potentials of photochemical decarboxylation of dicarboxylic acid derivatives in the coming years.

Keywords

Photochemical decarboxylation - Dicarboxylic acid derivatives - Radical reactions - Redox-neutral transformations - Reactive intermediates

Publication History

Received: 05 September 2025

Accepted after revision: 14 October 2025

Article published online:
14 November 2025

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