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Amidyl radicals mediate a diverse array of intermolecular aliphatic C(sp3)–H and decarboxylative functionalizations. Interestingly, we have observed that decarboxylative processes proceed with excellent chemoselectivity even with substrates containing weak C(sp3)–H bonds. Herein, we report a mechanistic basis for understanding this high chemoselectivity of amidyl radicals through divergent reaction pathways. A computational assessment of the transition state SOMOs and intrinsic bonding orbitals for amidyl radical hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and concerted proton-electron transfer (CPET) processes support a shift in mechanism between aliphatic C(sp3)–H or carboxylic acid O–H abstraction, which is supported by experimental studies. These findings provide a rationale for the chemoselectivity of decarboxylative reactions mediated by amidyl radicals.
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This content will become publicly available on October 20, 2026
Conjugative Radical–Radical Coupling: Transition-Metal-Free Dialkylation of Alkenes
Not AvailableAn unmet challenge in radical relay difunctionalization of alkenes is incorporation of two discrete transient radicals in a regiocontrolled manner under transition metal-free conditions. Current protocols typically rely on persistent radicals or organometallic surrogates to trap radical adducts, thereby suppressing the undesired reactions but limiting the diversity. The direct use of two transient radicals remains synthetically elusive. We present a visible-light photoredox catalyzed alkene dialkylation strategy via a kinetically guided conjugative radical-radical coupling. This transition-metal-free approach enables two direct C(sp3)−C(sp3) bond formations across the C=C double bond using alkyl and allyl or benzyl radicals. Mechanistic investigations reveal the radical nature of the process. The success of this approach hinges on kinetically controlled radical addition to alkene substrates and the steric protection of the resulting radical adducts. This mild and functional-group tolerant reaction exhibits broad substrate scope and tolerates structurally complex substrates, highlighting its potential for late-stage functionalization.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2154593
- PAR ID:
- 10656632
- Publisher / Repository:
- Chin. Chem. Soc.
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- CCS Chemistry
- ISSN:
- 2096-5745
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 1 to 12
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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