Metal-Free Oxidative Radical Addition of Carbonyl Compounds to α,α-Diaryl Allylic Alcohols: Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Ketones

A metal-free direct alkylation of simple carbonyl compounds (ketones, esters, and amides) with alpha,alpha-diaryl allylic alcohols is described. The protocol provides facile access to highly functionalized dicarbonyl ketones by a radical addition/1,2-aryl migration cascade. The regioselectivity of the reaction was precisely controlled by the nature of the carbonyl compound.