Boryl Radical Activation of Benzylic C-OH Bond: Cross-Electrophile Coupling of Free Alcohols and CO2 via Photoredox Catalysis

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 May 18;144(19):8551-8559. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c12463. Epub 2022 Apr 4.

Abstract

A new strategy for the direct cleavage of the C(sp3)-OH bond has been developed via activation of free alcohols with neutral diphenyl boryl radical generated from sodium tetraphenylborate under mild visible light photoredox conditions. This strategy has been verified by cross-electrophile coupling of free alcohols and carbon dioxide for the synthesis of carboxylic acids. Direct transformation of a range of primary, secondary, and tertiary benzyl alcohols to acids has been achieved. Control experiments and computational studies indicate that activation of alcohols with neutral boryl radical undergoes homolysis of the C(sp3)-OH bond, generating alkyl radicals. After reducing the alkyl radical into carbon anion under photoredox conditions, the following carboxylation with CO2 affords the coupling product.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alcohols* / chemistry
  • Carbon Dioxide*
  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Catalysis
  • Light

Substances

  • Alcohols
  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Carbon Dioxide