Construction of a-Acyloxy Ketones via Photoredox-Catalyzed O-H Insertion of Sulfoxonium Ylides with Carboxylic Acids

Herein, a photoredox-catalyzed insertion of sulfoxonium ylides with carboxylic acids was advanced under mild and simple conditions, offering a practical approach for preparing a-acyloxy ketones with a broad scope of carboxylic acids. A combined experimental and computational study suggests that this reaction proceeds via a stepwise proton-assisted electron transfer mechanism.

Automated summary

Here, a photoredox-catalyzed insertion reaction of sulfoxonium ylides with carboxylic acids is reported, providing a practical method for the preparation of a-acyloxy ketones with a wide range of carboxylic acids under mild and simple conditions. Experimental and computational studies suggest a stepwise proton-assisted electron transfer mechanism for this reaction.