Visible-Light-Mediated Dual Decarboxylative Coupling of Redox-Active Esters with α, β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids

An efficient visible-light-induced decarboxylative coupling between alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acids and alkyl N-hydroxyphthalimide esters has been developed. A wide range of redox-active esters derived from aliphatic carboxylic acids (1 degrees, 2 degrees and 3 degrees) proved viable in this dual decarboxylation process, affording a broad scope of substituted alkenes in moderate to excellent yields with good E/Z selectivities. This redox-neutral procedure was highlighted by its mild conditions, operational simplicity, easy accessibility of carboxylic acids, and excellent functional-group tolerance.