Easy access to drug building-blocks through benzylic C–H functionalization of phenolic ethers by photoredox catalysis

Abstract

A visible light-mediated photocatalyzed C–C-bond forming method for the benzylic C–H functionalization of phenolether containing synthetic building blocks based on a radical-cation/deprotonation strategy is reported. This method allows the mild, selective generation of benzyl radicals in phenolic complex molecules and drug-like compounds, providing new entries in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.