Phosphoric Acid Mediated Light‐Induced Minisci C−H Alkylation of N ‐Heteroarenes

Abstract Herein, we report an environmentally‐friendly light‐induced Minisci alkylation of N ‐heteroarenes with a broad substrate scope using diphenyl phosphate as catalyst under metal‐ and photocatalyst‐free conditions. The radical precursor redox‐active esters (RAEs) were introduced as alkylating reagents for the functionalization of N ‐heteroarene derivatives including pyridine, quinoline, and isoquinoline. Mechanistic studies suggested that diphenyl phosphate played a key role via hydrogen bonding in the catalytic cycle.