Photoorganocatalytic Hydroacylation of Dialkyl Azodicarboxylates by Utilising Activated Ketones as Photocatalysts

A fast and efficient visible-light metal-free hydroacylation of dialkyl azodicarboxylates is described. Among a variety of activated ketones, phenyl glyoxylic acid and its ethyl ester were identified as suitable photoorganocatalysts. A range of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes were employed, thus leading to products in high to excellent yields.