A novel nucleophilic reaction between cyclic ethers and benzyl bromides is achieved under photoredox catalysis. The reaction proceeds through a single-electron-transfer (SET) pathway rather than a common SN2 mechanism. By two steps of reduction and oxidation, a benzyl bromide heterolyzes to give a carbocation and bromide ion under mild conditions, and then a cyclic ether captures both the carbocation and bromide ion to afford the addition product.
Key words
photoredox catalysis - carbocation - cyclic ether - benzyl bromide - ring-cleavage addition reaction - fluorine
