Catalysis with In Situ-Generated (Hypo)iodite Ions for Oxidative Coupling Reactions

This Concept highlights the discovery and development of oxidative coupling reactions catalyzed by the hypoiodite (I?O-) or iodite (O?I?O-) ion, which are generated in situ from iodide (I-) ion with hydrogen peroxide or tert-butyl hydroperoxide as an environmentally benign oxidant. The most important features of these catalytic systems are 1) metal-free oxidation, 2) milder reaction conditions, 3) high chemoselectivity (they tolerate a wide range of various functional groups), 4) operational simplicity, and 5) water or tert-butyl alcohol as the only byproduct derived from the co-oxidant used.