Visible‐Light‐Mediated Dual Decarboxylative Coupling of Redox‐Active Esters with α,β‐Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids

An efficient visible‐light‐induced decarboxylative coupling between α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids and alkyl N‐hydroxyphthalimide esters has been developed. A wide range of redox‐active esters derived from aliphatic carboxylic acids (1°, 2° and 3°) proved viable in this dual decarboxylation process, affording a broad scope of substituted alkenes in moderate to excellent yields with good E/Z selectivities. This redox‐neutral procedure was highlighted by its mild conditions, operational simplicity, easy accessibility of carboxylic acids, and excellent functional‐group tolerance. Light is the key: An efficient, redox‐neutral visible‐light‐induced decarboxylative coupling between α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids and alkyl N‐hydroxyphthalimide esters has been developed. This operationally simple sequential decarboxylation procedure afforded a broad scope of structurally diverse alkenes in moderate to excellent yields with good E/Z selectivities under mild conditions.