Photocatalytic decarboxylative alkylation of electron-rich heteroarenes with alkyl N-hydroxyphthalimide esters

We report a direct CH alkylation of heteroarenes via photocatalytic decarboxylative couplings. A series of primary, secondary, tertiary alkyl carboxylic acids and drug-derived N-hydroxyphthalimide esters are selectively coupled with various electron-rich heteroarenes, including furans, benzofurans and thiophenes. With advantages of mild reaction conditions, broad scopes of substrates and easy handling, this transformation represents a valuable method in organic synthesis.