Radical generation enabled by photoinduced N-O bond fragmentation

Recent advances in synthetic chemistry have seen a resurgence in the development of methods for visible light-mediated radical generation. Herein, we report the development of a photoactive ester based on a quinoline N-oxide core structure, that provides a strong oxidant in its excited state. The heteroaromatic N-oxide provides access to primary, secondary, and tertiary radical intermediates, and its application toward the development of a photochemical Minisci alkylation is reported.

Automated summary

Recent advances in synthetic chemistry have led to a resurgence in the development of methods for visible light-mediated radical generation. In this study, a photoactive ester based on a quinoline N-oxide core structure is reported, which acts as a strong oxidant in its excited state. The heteroaromatic N-oxide allows access to primary, secondary, and tertiary radical intermediates, and its application in the development of a photochemical Minisci alkylation is described.