Metal-free radical-mediated alkylfunctionalization of ethylene and low-boiling-point alkenes

Alkenes, in particular, low-boiling-point alkenes such as ethylene, are bulk chemical materials in the petrochemical industry. Conversion of these inexpensive materials to value-added fine chemicals is of utmost importance. Herein, we report an efficient approach for radical alkylfunctionalization of gaseous ethylene and other light alkenes by remote functional group migration. Various alkyls including deuterated alkyl groups are readily incorporated into alkenes along with the installation of extra heteroaryl or oximino groups, leading to complex functionalized alkanes. This photochemical method is operationally simple, proceeding even in the absence of photosensitizers and transition-metal additives.

Automated summary

We report an efficient method for radical alkylfunctionalization of gaseous ethylene and other light alkenes by remote functional group migration. This method allows for the incorporation of various alkyls, including deuterated alkyl groups, into alkenes along with the installation of extra heteroaryl or oximino groups, leading to complex functionalized alkanes. The photochemical method is operationally simple, even in the absence of photosensitizers and transition-metal additives.