Visible-Light-Mediated Catalytic Hydroacylation of Dialkyl Azodicarboxylates by Graphite Flakes.

A novel and efficient metal-free catalyzed hydroacylation of dialkyl azodicarboxylates is reported. Graphite flakes were found to be the most efficient catalyst among other carbon-based materials to promote this reaction. This unprecedented catalytic activity can be expanded into a wide substrate scope of aliphatic aldehydes bearing various functional groups, leading to the corresponding products in good to excellent yields.