Copper-catalysed oxy-alkylation of styrenes enabled by halogen-atom transfer.

ABSTRACT: Herein, we present a mechanistically distinct approach to the multicomponent difunctionalisation of styrenes with alkyl halides and oxygen by integrating α-aminoalkyl radical-mediated halogen-atom transfer (XAT) with copper catalysis under air-equilibrated conditions. This strategy eliminates the need for external peroxides or photoredox conditions, offering a streamlined and efficient alternative. Mechanism studies uncover a unique role for the copper catalyst: instead of directly activating alkyl halides, inexpensive CuCl₂ oxidizes a tertiary amine to generate an α-aminoalkyl radical, which then drives XAT to release alkyl radicals. These radicals subsequently add to alkenes, facilitating efficient difunctionalisation. This method accommodates a broad range of alkyl radical pr

SUBMITTER: Tan Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12396138 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature