A Novel Trifunctional Catalyst Enables Radical–Radical Coupling via Intramolecular Frustrated Lewis Pairs

Key words

frustrated Lewis pairs - diarylboryl halothiophenols - photocatalysis - radical–radical coupling - 1,2-diols - 1,2-aminoalcohols

Significance

The authors describe a new class of p-diarylboryl halothiophenols merging photo- and frustrated Lewis pair activation modes. The unique properties of the catalyst allow efficient assembly of sterically congested 1,2-diols and 1,2-aminoalcohols through radical–radical coupling.

Comment

The present study showcases how a sophisticated design can efficiently combine diverse catalytic properties even in a simple thiophenol derivative. The method also provide an elegant alternative to benzoin-type additions as it does not require a stoichiometric reductant.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 September 2024