Copper-catalyzed radical carbooxygenation: alkylation and alkoxylation of styrenes

Abstract

A simple copper-catalyzed direct radical carbooxygenation of styrenes is developed utilizing alkyl bromides as radical resources. This catalytic radical difunctionalization accomplishes both alkylation and alkoxylation of styrenes in one pot. A broad range of styrenes and alcohols are well tolerated in this transformation. The EPR experiment shows that alkyl halides could oxidize Cu(I) to Cu(II) in this transformation.

Keywords: alkoxylation; alkylation; copper catalysis; difunctionalization; radicals.