Photoredox/Copper Dual-Catalyzed Benzylic C-H Esterification via Radical-Polar Crossover

Org Lett. 2022 Apr 15;24(14):2679-2683. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c00763. Epub 2022 Mar 31.

Abstract

Herein, we report a distinctive photoredox/copper dual-catalyzed esterification of benzylic C-H bonds through the combination of photoredox-mediated hydrogen atom transfer and Cu(II)-mediated radical-polar crossover. This methodology demonstrates a high functional group tolerance (>40 examples) and moderate to good yields with structurally diverse benzylic C-H substrates. Notably, stoichiometric amounts of carboxylic acids are used as coupling partners, which allows the synthesis of structurally diverse benzylic esters and the late-stage functionalization of pharmaceuticals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Catalysis
  • Copper* / chemistry
  • Esterification
  • Hydrogen* / chemistry

Substances

  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Copper
  • Hydrogen