Visible-light-enabled aerobic synthesis of benzoin bis-ethers from alkynes and alcohols

A new, facile, atom-economical and good regioselective method for the synthesis of benzoin bis-ethers has been developed via directly using readily available alkynes and alcohols as raw materials under visible light irradiation. The protocol utilizes commercial Mes-Acr(+)ClO(4)(-) as an organophotoredox catalyst and air (O-2) as a green sustainable reagent. A range of benzoin bis-ether derivatives were easily and efficiently obtained in a one-pot procedure at room temperature, and water is the by-product.