Visible-light-promoted selective O-alkylation of 2-pyridones with α-aryldiazoacetates

A visible-light-promoted O-H insertion reaction between 2-pyridones and alpha-aryldiazoacetates has been developed. Upon visible light irradiation, the reaction proceeds smoothly under mild and catalyst-free conditions. A wide scope of 2-pyridones and alpha-aryldiazoacetates are well tolerated, and various O-alkylated 2-pyridones are obtained with perfect selectivity and good functional group tolerance. A photoinduced radical process is probably responsible for the excellent selectivity.

Automated summary

The visible-light-promoted O-H insertion reaction between 2-pyridones and alpha-aryldiazoacetates proceeds smoothly under mild and catalyst-free conditions, leading to a wide scope of O-alkylated 2-pyridones with perfect selectivity and good functional group tolerance, likely attributed to a photoinduced radical process.