Direct α-Arylation of Ethers through the Combination of Photoredox-Mediated C-H Functionalization and the Minisci Reaction

The direct alpha-arylation of cyclic and acyclic ethers with heteroarenes has been accomplished through the design of a photoredox-mediated C-H functionalization pathway. Transiently generated alpha-oxyalkyl radicals, produced from a variety of widely available ethers through hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), were coupled with a range of electron-deficient heteroarenes in a Minisci-type mechanism. This mild, visible-light- driven protocol allows direct access to medicinal pharmacophores of broad utility using feedstock substrates and a commercial photocatalyst.