Metal-, Photocatalyst-, and Light-Free Minisci C-H Acetylation of N-Heteroarenes with Vinyl Ethers

Herein, we report a mild, operationally simple method for Minisci C-H acetylation of N-heteroarenes using vinyl ethers as robust, inexpensive acetyl sources. The reactions do not require a conventional photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, metal catalysis, light activation, or high temperature. This method is thus significantly more sustainable than previously reported methods in terms of cost, reagent toxicity, and waste generation. This protocol can be expected to obtain medically relevant molecules from abundant feedstock materials.

Automated summary

A mild and operationally simple method using vinyl ethers as acetyl sources for Minisci C-H acetylation of N-heteroarenes is reported. This method does not require conventional photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, metal catalysis, light activation, or high temperature, making it more sustainable in terms of cost, reagent toxicity, and waste generation compared to previous methods. It is expected to obtain medically relevant molecules from abundant feedstock materials.