A transition-metal-free
protocol for the redox-neutral light-induced
decarboxylative coupling of carboxylic acids with (hetero)­aromatic
nitriles at ambient temperature is presented. A broad scope of acids
and nitriles is accepted, and alcohols can be coupled in a similar
fashion through their oxalate half esters. Various inexpensive sources
of UV light and even sunlight can be used to achieve this C–C
bond formation proceeding through a free radical mechanism