Novel radical transfer reagents under photoirradiation conditions were developed by the use of benzothiazoline derivatives.

The hydroalkylation and hydroacylation of electrondeficient alkenes proceeded smoothly by using benzothiazoline derivatives as radical-transfer reagents under thermal conditions without light irradiation or any additive. Both benzyl and benzoyl moieties were transferred efficiently.

A visible-light mediated, catalyst-free hydroalkylation of electron-deficient alkenes was achieved using benzothiazoline as a radical transfer reagent. The photoreaction proceeded under household LEDs. Mechanistic studies elucidated the formation of an electron-donor-acceptor complex between benzothiazoline and electron-deficient alkenes.