Direct β-functionalization of cyclic ketones with aryl ketones via the merger of photoredox and organocatalysis

The direct β-coupling of cyclic ketones with aryl ketones has been achieved via the synergistic combination of photoredox catalysis and organocatalysis. Diaryl oxymethyl or aryl-alkyl oxymethyl radicals, transiently generated via single-electron reduction of ketone precursors, readily merge with β-enaminyl radical species, generated by photon-induced enamine oxidation, to produce γ-hydroxyketone adducts. Experimental evidence indicates that two discrete reaction pathways can be operable in this process depending upon the nature of the ketyl radical precursor and the photocatalyst.