Direct C-H Allylation of Unactivated Alkanes by Cooperative W/Cu Photocatalysis

Here we report a photocatalytic methodology that enables the direct allylation of strong aliphatic C-H bonds with simple allylic chlorides. The method relies on a cooperative interaction of two metal catalysts in which the decatungstate anion acts as a hydrogen-atom abstractor generating a nucleophilic carbon-centered radical that engages in an S(H)2 ' reaction with an activated allylic pi-olefin-copper complex. Because of this dual catalysis, the protocol allows for the functionalization of a range of chemical feedstocks and natural products under mild conditions in short reaction times.

Automated summary

Here we report a photocatalytic methodology that enables the direct allylation of strong aliphatic C-H bonds with simple allylic chlorides. The method relies on the cooperative interaction of two metal catalysts, allowing for functionalization of a variety of chemical feedstocks and natural products under mild conditions in short reaction times.