An N-(acetoxy)phthalimide motif as a visible-light pro-photosensitizer in photoredox decarboxylative arylthiation.

An efficient visible-light photoredox decarboxylative coupling of N-(acetoxy)phthalimides with aryl thiols has been developed. The reaction was performed well at room temperature with good tolerance of functional groups. Importantly, the visible-light photoredox decarboxylative arylthiation did not need an added photocatalyst.