Visible-light-mediated metal-free decarboxylative acylation of electron-deficient quinolines using α-ketoacids under ambient air

A visible-light-promoted metal-free decarboxylative coupling protocol for the acylation of electron-deficient quinolines using ambient air as an oxidant has been disclosed. This environmental-friendly protocol takes place under mild conditions and is highlighted by using inexpensive photocatalyst and starting materials, thereby integrating C–H functionalization and recent photoredox scenario based on diaryl ketones. This work contributes to a more systematic utilization of α-ketoacids as an efficient source of acyl radicals in acylation of electron-deficient heteroaromatic compounds.