Homocoupling of benzyl pyridyl ethers via visible light-mediated deoxygenation

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.