Visible Light-Induced Decarboxylative Povarov-Type Reaction of N-Aryl Glycines with Maleimides in Deep Eutectic Solvents

N -Aryl glycines reacted with N -substituted maleimides, leading to functionalized tetrahydroquinolines in a radical-mediated Povarov-type reaction carried out under visible light irradiation and using deep eutectic solvents as reaction media under ambient air. The use of various photocatalysts and additives was explored, but the reaction performed best in their absence, via the formation of a photoactive electron donor-acceptor complex. The most effective eutectic solvent could be recovered and reused. The proposed mechanism was supported by different chemical and physical studies, as well as theoretical calculations.