Visible Light-Mediated Direct Decarboxylative C–H Functionalization of Heteroarenes

The direct visible light-mediated C–H alkylation of heteroarenes using aliphatic carboxylic acids is reported. This mild method proceeds at low catalyst loadings (0.5 mol %) and has a high functional group tolerance and a broad substrate scope. Notably, functionalization of (iso)­quinoline, pyridine, phthalazine, benzothiazole, and other heterocyclic derivatives with both cyclic and acyclic primary, secondary, and tertiary carboxylic acids as well as amino and fatty acids proceeded under the standard conditions at room temperature. This protocol enables the rapid conversion of abundant feedstock materials into medically relevant “drug-like” moieties.