Stereoselective benzylic C(sp3)–H alkenylation enabled by metallaphotoredox catalysis

Abstract

Selective activation of the benzylic C(sp³)–H bond is pivotal for the construction of complex organic frameworks. Achieving precise selectivity among C–H bonds with comparable energetic and steric profiles remains a profound synthetic challenge. Herein, we unveil a site- and stereoselective benzylic C(sp³)–H alkenylation utilizing metallaphotoredox catalysis. Various linear and cyclic (Z)-all-carbon tri- and tetrasubstituted olefins can be smoothly obtained. This strategy can be applied to complex substrates with multiple benzylic sites, previously deemed unsuitable due to the uncontrollable site-selectivity. In addition, sensitive functional groups such as terminal alkenyl and TMS groups are compatible under the mild conditions. The exceptional site-selectivity and broad substrate compatibility are attributed to the visible-light catalyzed relay electron transfer–proton transfer process. More importantly, we have extended this methodology to achieve enantioselective benzylic C(sp³)–H alkenylation, producing highly enantioenriched products. The applicability and scalability of our protocol are further validated through late-stage functionalization of complex structures and gram-scale operations, underscoring its practicality and robustness.