title: Mechanism and Applications of the Photoredox Catalytic Coupling of Benzyl Bromides.
abstract: The photoredox catalytic coupling of halomethyl arenes to bibenzyl derivatives has been demonstrated. The catalytic protocol employed the Hantzsch ester, potassium phosphate, and a photoactive cyclometalated IrIIIcomplex catalyst. A photochemical quantum yield as high as 20 % was obtained. The catalytic mechanism was investigated in detail by performing photophysical and electrochemical measurements, as well as by quantum chemical calculations. The results suggest that two-electron mediation might be responsible for the improved photon economy. The reaction protocol was compatible with halomethyl arenes that contain a variety of functional groups. Finally, the synthetic utility of our protocol was demonstrated by the preparation of a natural dihydrostilbenoid, brittonin A.
authors: Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea.
authors: Gyurim
authors: G
authors: Park
authors: Department of Chemistry and Nano Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea.
authors: Seung Yeon
authors: SY
authors: Yi
authors: Department of Applied Chemistry, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea.
authors: Jaehun
authors: J
authors: Jung
authors: Department of Chemistry, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
authors: Eun Jin
authors: EJ
authors: Cho
authors: Division of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea.
authors: Youngmin
authors: Y
authors: You
keywords: Hantzsch ester; bibenzyl; organic chemistry; photochemistry; radical coupling