Photocatalyst-free hydroacylations of electron-poor alkenes and enones under visible-light irradiation

Herein we present a photocatalyst- and additive-free radical hydroacylation of electron-poor double bonds under mild reaction conditions. Using 4-acyl-Hantzsch ester radical reservoirs, various Michael acceptors, enones and para -quinone methide substrates could be used. The protocol enabled further derivatizations and it could also be extended to a few unactivated alkenes. Moreover, the nature of the radical process was also investigated. 4-Acyl-Hantzsch esters have been used for the radical hydroacylation of various alkene acceptors. This protocol provided high yields for three different substrate classes and neither a photocatalyst nor additives were required.