Quantum Dot Interface-Enabled Cross-Coupling Acylation by Direct Aldehyde Activation under Visible Light

Cross-coupling acylation by direct aldehyde activation is ideal to construct a useful carbonyl motif. However, the strong C–H bond energy, short radical lifetime, and mismatched radical polarity render this reaction a huge challenge. Herein, the semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) interface is demonstrated to overcome the obstacles lying on the way to acylating alkene or alkylarene, directly activating the formyl C–H bond into an acyl radical. Further stabilization of the obtained radical species by the QD interface ensured their effective cross-coupling with the generated intermediate from the coupling partner. The interface of QDs was exemplified to execute photochemical transformation, showcasing a highly efficient and selective cross-coupling acylation reaction under extremely mild conditions.