Visible-light-mediated catalytic decarboxylative alkylation of 2-pyridone derivatives via a C3-selective C–H functionalization

A direct C–H functionalization approach to access C3-alkylated 2-pyridone derivatives is reported. This study utilizes N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) esters of various carboxylic acids as sources for alkyl radicals by reductive cleavage under photocatalytic reaction. The carbon–carbon bond formation occurred site-selectively at C3 of 2-pyridone to give the desired products in moderate to good yields. This method enables a faster access to C3-alkylated pyridone compounds which could be of interest in drug discovery process.