Photoredox Cross-Coupling: Ir/Ni Dual Catalysis for the Synthesis of Benzylic Ethers

Single-electron transmetalation has emerged as an enabling paradigm for the cross-coupling of C-sp(3) hybridized organotrifluoroborates. Cross-coupling of alpha-alkoxymethyl-trifluoroborates with aryl and heteroaryl bromides has been demonstrated by employing dual catalysis with a combination of an iridium photoredox catalyst and a Ni cross-coupling catalyst. The resulting method enables the alkoxymethylation of diverse (hetero)arenes under mild, room-temperature conditions.