Ag‐Catalyzed, Selectfluor‐Mediated External Acid‐Free Minisci Reaction in Aqueous Solution.

A silver‐catalyzed Minisci‐type reaction is reported here. Alkylation of electron‐deficient N‐heterocycles is achieved in aqueous solution through decarboxylative cross‐coupling of aliphatic acids and N‐heteroarenes in open air without external Brønsted acid. Selectfluor is used as a mild oxidant. Different substituents on heterocycles and acids are tolerated. Primary and secondary alkyl could be introduced efficiently into the heteroarenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]