Visible Light Copper Photoredox-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Coupling of Phenols and Terminal Alkynes: Regioselective Synthesis of Functionalized Ketones via CC Triple Bond Cleavage

Direct oxidative coupling of phenols and terminal alkynes was achieved at room temperature by a visible-light-mediated copper-catalyzed photoredox process. This method allows regioselective synthesis of hydroxyl-functionalized aryl and alkyl ketones from simple phenols and phenylacetylene via CC triple bond cleavage. 47 examples were presented. From a synthetic perspective, this protocol offers an efficient synthetic route for the preparation of pharmaceutical drugs, such as pitofenone and fenofibrate.