Photocatalyzed hydroxyalkylation of N-heteroaromatics with aldehydes in the aqueous phase

Hydroxyalkylated N-heteroaromatics are interesting scaffolds in a wide range of biologically active natural molecules. Herein, a photoredox-catalyzed hydroxyalkylation method for azole derivatives with aldehydes in the aqueous phase under an air atmosphere has been established. Furthermore, our catalytic system is also suitable for the alkylation of azole derivatives with alkanes. This methodology features eco-friendliness, requires no external additive and has good functional group compatibility.