Ferric nitrene-promoted anti-Markovnikov ring-opening of epoxides and nucleophilic functionalization of benzylic C–H bonds under photo-irradiation

Abstract

This paper describes a ferric nitrene/photoredox dual-catalyzed anti-Markovnikov ring-opening of epoxides under neutral conditions for providing α-substituted acetophenones. A DFT-based calculation supported the reaction regioselectivity. The catalytic system could also be applied to the formation of C–O and C–N bonds via nucleophilic functionalization of benzylic C–H bonds.