(Hetero)arylated
bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are important for
the construction of complex druglike target molecules. Herein, we
developed a method for light-induced, Cs2CO3-promoted homolytic cleavage of pyridinium C–N bonds for generating
alkyl radicals from amino acid-derived Katritzky salts and use of
the radicals for functionalization of [1.1.1]propellane to rapidly
generate (hetero)arylated BCPs. The method features excellent functional
group tolerance and a broad substrate scope and can be used to functionalize
structurally complex natural products.