Visible-Light-Induced Regioselective Alkylation of Coumarins via Decarboxylative Coupling with N-Hydroxyphthalimide Esters

An efficient photocatalytic decarboxylative 3-position alkylation of coumarins by using alkyl N-hydroxyphthalimide esters as alkylation reagents has been developed. A variety of NHP esters derived from aliphatic carboxylic acids (primary, secondary, and tertiary) has been proved to be tolerated for this decarboxylation process, affording a broad scope of 3-alkylated coumarin derivatives in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol was highlighted by its mild conditions, readily available starting materials, operational simplicity, and wide functional group tolerance.