Inter- and intramolecular addition reactions of electron-deficient alkenes with alkyl radicals, generated by SET-photochemical decarboxylation of carboxylic acids, serve as a mild and efficient method for the preparation of gamma-amino acids and macrocyclic lactones.

Inter- and intramolecular additions of alkyl radicals, generated by SET photochemical decarboxylation reactions of free carboxylic acids, to electron-deficient alkenes take place under mild conditions as part of efficient routes for the formation of N-Boc gamma-amino acids and macrocyclic lactones.