Easy access to drug building-blocks through benzylic C-H functionalization of phenolic ethers by photoredox catalysis

Chem Commun (Camb). 2021 Jul 14;57(55):6756-6759. doi: 10.1039/d1cc01756j. Epub 2021 Jun 16.

Abstract

A visible light-mediated photocatalyzed C-C-bond forming method for the benzylic C-H functionalization of phenolether containing synthetic building blocks based on a radical-cation/deprotonation strategy is reported. This method allows the mild, selective generation of benzyl radicals in phenolic complex molecules and drug-like compounds, providing new entries in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.