An Ir-photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative Michael addition of glyoxylic acid acetal as a formyl equivalent

We reported herein an iridium-photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative conjugated addition of glyoxylic acid acetals with various Michael acceptors, including unsaturated amide, ester, aldehyde, ketone, and nitrile under irradiation. Vinyl pyridine and alpha-aryl styrene are also suitable substrates. The reaction offers various types of acetal products, which are of synthetic significance as protected aldehydes.