Hantzsch Ester as a Photosensitizer for the Visible-Light-Induced Debromination of Vicinal Dibromo Compounds

The debromination of vicinal dibromo compounds to generate alkenes usually requires harsh reaction conditions and the addition of catalysts. Just recently the visible-light-induced debromination of vicinal dibromo compounds emerged as a possible alternative to commonly used methods, but the substrate scope of this reaction is limited and a photocatalyst is necessary for the successful conversion of the starting compounds. A catalyst-free visible-light-induced debromination of vicinal dibromo compounds with a base-activated Hantzsch ester as photosensitizer is reported. The method has a wide substrate scope and a broad functional-group compatibility.