Visible-light-mediated synthesis of 2-oxetanes via Giese addition to α-oxy radicals

Abstract

Oxetanes have recently garnered large amounts of interest from synthetic chemists due to their unique structural and chemical properties. Despite substantial advances for the formation of 3,3-disubstituted oxetanes, its 2-functionalized counterparts remain a challenging synthetic motif. Furthermore, methods to form alkyl oxetanes remain underdeveloped. Herein, we disclose a novel protocol for the synthesis of various alkyl and aryl 2-oxetanes leveraging a Giese addition to α-oxy radicals, furnishing the desired products in up to 95% yield.