title: Visible Light Mediated Reductive Cleavage of C-O Bonds Accessing α-Substituted Aryl Ketones.
abstract: C-O σ-bonds in multifaceted benzoin derivatives can be effectively cleaved as acetates using catalytic amounts of [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 as photoredox catalyst in combination with Hantzsch ester and triethylamine as a sacrificial electron donor. This mild and operationally simple method is applicable to a great variety of substrates. Homo- and cross-benzoins, which are easily accessed by NHC (N-heterocyclic carbene) catalysis, with both electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents, including aryl halogenides, can be employed. The deoxygenated counterparts are isolated in good to excellent yields. These broadly accessible, α-substituted (nonsymmetric) aryl ketones are versatilely applicable for further transformations as illustrated by the syntheses of 2-arylbenzofurans.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Leipzig , Johannisallee 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Speckmeier
authors.affiliation: Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Regensburg , Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Clément
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Padié
authors.affiliation: Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Leipzig , Johannisallee 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zeitler