Single-Electron Transmetalation: Protecting-Group-Independent Synthesis of Secondary Benzylic Alcohol Derivatives via Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalysis

Protecting-group-independent cross-coupling of alpha-alkoxyalkyl- and alpha-acyloxyalkyltrifluoroborates with aryl and heteroaryl bromides is achieved through application of photoreddx/nickel dual catalysis. Reactions occur under exceptionally mild conditions, with outstanding functional group compatibility and excellent observed tolerance of heteroarenes. This method offers expedient access to protected secondary benzylic alcohol motifs bearing benzyl, pivaloyl, and N,N-diisopropylcarbamoyl protecting groups.