Controllable chemoselectivity in the coupling of bromoalkynes with alcohols under visible-light irradiation without additives: synthesis of propargyl alcohols and α-ketoesters

Abstract

The chemoselectivity of visible-light-induced coupling reactions of bromoalkynes with alcohols can be controlled by simple changes to the reaction atmosphere (N₂ or O₂). A N₂ atmosphere favours propargyl alcohols via a direct C–C coupling process, whereas an O₂ atmosphere results in the generation of α-ketoesters through the oxidative CC/C–O coupling pathway.