Photocatalytic C–C bond thio(seleno)esterification of 1,2-diketone-derived pro-aromatic intermediates

We report an organophotocatalyst-enabled oxidant-free C-S/C-Se bond coupling of (un)symmetrical 1,2-diketones via pro-aromatic dihydroquinazolinones/benzothiazolines, employing readily accessible disulfides/diselenides. In this scalable and redox-neutral method, various dialkyl, di(hetero)aryl, and alkyl-aryl 1,2-diketones are expediently converted to S-aryl (S-alkyl) alkyl/(hetero)aryl thioesters and Se-alkyl aryl selenoesters with broad functional group compatibility in high efficiency.