Defunctionalization of sp3 C–Heteroatom and sp3 C–C Bonds Enabled by Photoexcited Triplet Ketone Catalysts

A general strategy for enabling a light-induced defunctionalization of sp³ C–heteroatom and sp³ C–C bonds with triplet ketone catalysts and bipyridine additives is disclosed. This protocol is characterized by its broad scope without recourse to transition metal catalysts or stoichiometric exogeneous reductants, thus offering a complementary technique for activating σ sp³ C–C(heteroatom) bonds. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the presence of 2,2′-bipyridines improves the lifetime of ketyl radical intermediates.