Homocoupling of benzyl pyridyl ethers via visible light-mediated deoxygenation

Chem Commun (Camb). 2023 Sep 21;59(76):11409-11412. doi: 10.1039/d3cc03002d.

Abstract

The photocatalytic coupling of ethers is uncommon because of the challenges in breaking C-O bonds and low selectivity. Herein, we report a visible light-mediated deoxygenation homocoupling of benzyl pyridyl ethers via their pyridium salts. This approach enables C(sp3)-O bond homolysis under mild conditions. Mechanistic experiments support the radical nature of the reaction. This method is highly compatible with electron-withdrawing groups and has potential applications for drug precursor synthesis.