Generation of alkyl radicals via C(sp3)–C(sp3) bond cleavage of xanthene-based precursors for photocatalytic Giese-type reaction

Novel xanthene-based alkyl radical precursors were developed and subjected to photocatalytic C(sp³)–C(sp³) bond cleavage for the efficient generation of alkyl radicals, which were subsequently reacted with various alkenes to afford the corresponding Giese-type products. After the reaction, the produced xanthones can be recovered in high yield.