A Simple Method for the Formation of α‐Thioalkyl Radicals and the Promotion of Carbon‐Carbon Bond Formation by Photoirradiation of Electron Donor‐Acceptor Complexes

Abstract

This study documents the formation of an electron donor‐acceptor complex between thioanisole and benzylidenemalononitrile. Upon irradiation, the electron donor‐acceptor complex generates α‐thioalkyl radicals, facilitating carbon‐carbon bond formation. Mechanistic investigations underscore the crucial roles of both one‐electron oxidation and deprotonation processes in achieving a reaction yield up to 43 %.