Abstract
Pyridines are valuable motifs in a number of bioactive and functional molecules. The
chemoselective functionalization of these structures from stable and widely available
starting materials is a meaningful goal. We have demonstrated selective formation
of pyridyl radicals at any position (2-, 3-, 4-pyridyl), through the action of a reducing
photoredox catalyst. These radicals readily engage alkenes to deliver high-value products.
Alteration of the reaction medium has enabled the use of a diverse range of alkene
subtypes in a highly divergent and chemoselective manner.
1 Introduction
2 Minisci-Type Pyridine Alkylation
3 An Alternate Approach – Reductive Radical Formation
4 Conjugate Addition of Pyridyl Radicals
5 Radical Hydroarylation of Neutral and Rich Olefins
6 Solvent-Based Chemoselectivity
7 Summary and Outlook
Key words
alkenes - catalysis - chemoselectivity - heterocycles - photochemistry - radicals
- regioselectivity
