Mild Photocatalytic Hydrodecarboxylation of Fatty Acid Derivatives using Xanthene Dyes for Biomass Valorization

An elegant xanthene-based method for metal- and hydrogen-free photocatalytic deoxygenation of lipidic biomass is reported, featuring DIPEA as a dual-function sacrificial reductant and hydrogen donor, enabling efficient one-pot C_n–1 hydrocarbon synthesis under mild, open-air conditions.

A complementary and practical method for the synthesis of renewable C_n–1 hydrocarbons with yields of up to 80%, via mild photocatalytic hydrodecarboxylation of fatty acids activated as N-hydroxyphthalimide esters, is reported herein. Inexpensive, easy-to-handle, and environmentally friendly xanthene dyes (Eosin Y or Fluorescein-Na₂) act as photocatalysts, with DIPEA serving as both sacrificial reductant and hydrogen donor. The reactions proceed under visible light, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, in open-air conditions. Additionally, a one-pot application is demonstrated, involving in situ ester formation and scale-up using a real mixture of fatty acids derived from vegetable oil, for photocatalytic biomass valorization.

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