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Visible-light-Enabled O-Selective Radical Etherification of 1,2-Dicarbonyl Compounds for the Synthesis of Sterically Congested Ethers

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: A visible-light-promoted, triphenylphosphine-mediated protocol for the direct O-selective etherification of 1,2-diketones is reported. Using NHPI esters as radical precursors, this method provides an efficient route to sterically congested ethers under mild conditions. The strategy exhibits compatibility with various tertiary alkyl radicals and 1,2-diketone derivatives. Mechanistic studies support a radical-mediated pathway, and adaptation to a photochemical continuous-flow platform enables improved efficiency, scalability, and operational control.

Source: ChemRxiv

DOI: 10.26434/chemrxiv.15006666/v2

Authors: Shengkun Guo, Sita Claesen, Joshua M. Sims, Jeremy Harvey, Erik V. Van der Eycken, Upendra K. Sharma

Institutions: KU Leuven, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, University of Missouri–St. Louis

Language: English

Topic: Radical Photochemical Reactions

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7222239834

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