Ni(II)-Mediated Photochemical Oxidative Esterification of Aldehydes with Phenols

The photopromoted, Ni-catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenation esterification of phenols and aromatic aldehydes has been achieved in an oxidant-and external photosensitizer-free manner. This reliable and atom-economical transformation was tolerant to a wide range of functional groups and proceeded efficiently to give various aryl benzoates in moderate to high yields. Additionally, this photocatalytic system displayed high activity for the hydrogen-evolution cross coupling of aliphatic aldehydes and phenols employing dual nickel and aromatic aldehyde catalysis.

Automated summary

A photocatalytic system has been developed for the acceptorless dehydrogenation esterification of phenols and aromatic aldehydes, which shows great tolerance towards functional groups and high efficiency. It also exhibits high activity in the hydrogen-evolution cross coupling of aliphatic aldehydes and phenols.