Photo-induced energy transfer mediated O2-initiated deboronative generation of alkyl radicals from alkyl boronic acids and its application in radical Smiles rearrangement†

A visible-light-induced, energy-transfer mechanism has been developed for the O₂-initiated deboronative generation of alkyl radicals from alkylboronic acids, which further undergo a Smiles rearrangement reaction. This protocol utilizes tetracoordinated boron (AQDAB) as an energy transfer photosensitizer and features mild conditions, a broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group compatibility, providing a facile method for synthesizing all-carbon quaternary center amide compounds.