Direct C-H Allylation of Unactivated Alkanes by Cooperative W/Cu Photocatalysis

Abstract

Here we report a photocatalytic methodology that enables the direct allylation of strong aliphatic C-H bonds with simple allylic chlorides. The method relies on a cooperative interaction of two metal catalysts in which the decatungstate anion acts as a hydrogen-atom abstractor generating a nucleophilic carbon-centered radical that engages in an SH2′ reaction with an activated allylic π-olefin-copper complex. Because of this dual catalysis, the protocol allows for the functionalization of a range of chemical feedstocks and natural products under mild conditions in short reaction times.