Alkyl Esterification of Vinylarenes Enabled by Visible-Light-Induced Decarboxylation.

A decarboxylative alkyl esterification of vinylarenes induced by visible light is described. A variety of alkyl diacyl peroxides synthesized from readily available aliphatic carboxylic acids are used as not only the oxygenation but also alkylation source. This simple and easy to handle reaction has a wide substrate scope, excellent yields, and works under mild reaction conditions. Carbon dioxide is the sole byproduct. An oxidative quenching process is proposed as the mechanism.