Desulfonative photoredox alkylation of -heteroaryl sulfones - an acid-free approach for substituted heteroarene synthesis.

Minisci-type alkylation of electron-deficient heteroarenes has been a pivotal technique for medicinal chemists in the synthesis of drug-like molecules. However, such transformations usually require harsh conditions (, strong acids, stoichiometric amount of oxidants, elevated temperatures, ). Herein, by utilizing photoredox catalysis, a highly-selective alkylation method using heteroaryl sulfones has been developed that can be carried out under acid-free and redox-neutral conditions. Because of these mild conditions, challenging yet privileged structures, such as monosaccharides and unprotected secondary amines, can be installed.