Intermolecular Trapping of Alkoxyl Radicals with Alkenes: A New Route to Ether Synthesis

Alkoxyl radicals are highly reactive species which rapidly react by hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) or β-fragmentation to afford a carbon-centered radical. We discuss herein how these RO· radicals can be efficiently trapped in an intermolecular manner by styrene derivatives when they are generated by photoredox catalysis from the corresponding N-alkoxypyridinium salts. This allows for the synthesis of valuable ethers with complete anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity. 1 Introduction 2 Anti-Markovnikov Alkoxylation of Alkenes: Background 3 Addition of Alkoxyl Radicals to Styrenes 4 Summary and Outlook