A visible light photoredox catalyzed carbon radical-mediated generation of ortho-quinone methides for 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran synthesis

A visible light photoredox-catalyzed carbon radical-mediated strategy for in situ formation of ortho-quinone methides from 2-vinyl phenols is described. This strategy enables a multicomponent cyclization reaction of 2-vinyl phenols, Umemoto's reagent, and sulfur ylides, providing access to trifluoromethylated 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans.