Photochemical Strategy for Carbon Isotope Exchange with CO2

yA photocatalytic approach for carbon isotope exchange is reported. Utilizing [C-13]CO2 and [C-14]CO2 as primary C1 sources, this protocol allows the insertion of the desired carbon isotope into phenyl acetic acids without the need for structural modifications or prefunctionalization in one single step. The exceptionally mild conditions required for this traceless transformation are in stark contrast with those for previous methods requiring the use of harsh thermal conditions.

Automated summary

A photocatalytic approach for carbon isotope exchange using [C-13]CO2 and [C-14]CO2 without the need for structural modifications. The mild conditions required for this traceless transformation contrast with previous harsh thermal methods.