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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Light-driven Enzymatic Decarboxylation
Published on: May 22, 2016
Visible-Light-Mediated Dual Decarboxylative Coupling of Redox-Active Esters with α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids
Jin-Jiang Zhang1, Jun-Cheng Yang1, Li-Na Guo1
1Department of Chemistry, School of Science and MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 28, Xianning West Road, Xi'an, 710049, China.
Abstract:
An efficient visible-light-induced decarboxylative coupling between α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids and alkyl N-hydroxyphthalimide esters has been developed. A wide range of redox-active esters derived from aliphatic carboxylic acids (1°, 2° and 3°) proved viable in this dual decarboxylation process, affording a broad scope of substituted alkenes in moderate to excellent yields with good E/Z selectivities. This redox-neutral procedure was highlighted by its mild conditions, operational simplicity, easy accessibility of carboxylic acids, and excellent functional-group tolerance.
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