Photoinduced Single Electron Transfer via EDA Complexation Enables Decarbonylative C(sp2)–S Bond Formation

We have developed a photoinduced transition-metal-free decarbonylative strategy at ambient temperature through non-covalent interactions to achieve vinyl sulfones. Traditionally, decarbonylative functionalization is accomplished using transition metal catalysts at elevated temperatures. The π–π interaction facilitates the elimination of CO to generate vinyl radical, thereby promoting the creation of C–S bonds with the sulfonyl radical. These interactions and the overall process were illuminated by spectroscopic investigations and mechanistic studies.