Visible-light-driven decarboxylative C(sp3)–H alkylation of glycine derivatives via in situ formation of NHPI esters

A visible-light-driven decarboxylative C(sp³)-H alkylation of glycine derivatives via in situ formation of NHPI esters is reported. The use of the Xantphos/ICH₂CH₂I system as a dual activator and a catalyst eliminates the need for expensive photocatalysts and transition metals. Under mild conditions, a versatile platform is established for synthesizing unnatural amino acids from readily available alkyl carboxylic acids with high functional group tolerance.