A transition-metal-free synthetic strategy for C–H alkylation of electron-poor aromatics is reported, which selectively alkylates the most electrophilic position of electron-deficient aromatics to exhibit ‘anti-Friedel–Crafts’ selectivity. The mechanism is driven via electron donor–acceptor complex photoinitiation with a propagative radical anion mechanism, enabling mild conditions for late-stage drug functionalization.
- David M. Vahey
- Manting Mu
- Erwin Reisner
