Redox Neutral and Acid-Free Minisci C-H Alkylation of Heteroarenes Enabled by Dual Photoredox/bromide Catalysis in Micellar Solutions

Microstructured aqueous solutions were employed to engage non-activated alkyl bromides in the visible-light-promoted C‑H functionalization of heteroarenes. The reactive carbon-centered alkyl radicals were generated by merging the photoredox approach, bromide anion co-catalysis and spatial pre-aggregation of reacting species in the mixture. The presented methodology allowed obtaining alkylated heteroarenes without stoichiometric radical-promoters, in acid-free conditions and using blue LEDs as the light source.