Metal-free photocatalyzed homo- and cross-dimerizations of α-hydroxyl ketones via dual C(sp3)–H functionalization: synthesis of 2,3-dihydroxyl-1,4-butanediones

Homo- and cross-dimerization couplings of α-hydroxy ketoneshave been realized as a practical tool for the synthesis of 2,3-dihydroxyl-1,4-butadiones. The reactions were run at room temperature under visible light irradiation.