Direct α-arylation of ethers through the combination of photoredox-mediated C-H functionalization and the minisci reaction

Abstract

The direct α-arylation of cyclic and acyclic ethers with heteroarenes has been accomplished through the design of a photoredox-mediated C - H functionalization pathway. Transiently generated α-oxyalkyl radicals, produced from a variety of widely available ethers through hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), were coupled with a range of electron-deficient heteroarenes in a Minisci-type mechanism. This mild, visible-light-driven protocol allows direct access to medicinal pharmacophores of broad utility using feedstock substrates and a commercial photocatalyst.