Visible-Light-Induced α-C(sp3)-H Phosphinylation of Unactivated Ethers under Photocatalyst- and Additive-Free Conditions

A photocatalyst-and additive-free visible-light-induced alpha-C(sp(3))-H phosphinylation of unactivated ethers involving a C-O bond cleavage with molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant at room temperature has been achieved. This method provides a sustainable access to alpha-hydroxyphosphine oxides in up to 88% yield with good functional group compatibility under mild and neutral conditions (34 examples). Moreover, the subsequent two-step conversion of the resulting dihydroxy diarylphosphine oxides afforded alpha-phosphinylated cyclic ethers in good overall yields (10 examples).