Visible-Light-Promoted Remote C-H Functionalization of o-Diazoniaphenyl Alkyl Sulfones

Org Lett. 2017 Oct 20;19(20):5553-5556. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.7b02650. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

Abstract

Visible-light irradiation of ortho-diazoniaphenyl alkyl sulfones in the presence of Ru(bpy)32+ results in remote Csp3-H functionalization. Key mechanistic steps in these processes involve intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer from Csp3-H bonds to aryl radicals to generate alkyl/benzyl radicals. Subsequent polar crossover occurs by single-electron oxidation of the alkyl/benzyl radicals to carbenium ions that then intercept nucleophiles. We have developed remote hydroxylations, etherifications, an amidation, and C-C bond formation processes using this strategy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't