A Copper (II) Acetate Mediated Oxidative‐Coupling of Styrenes and Ethers Through an Unactivated C(sp3)−H Bond Functionalization

A Copper (II) Acetate Mediated Oxidative Coupling of Styrenes and Ethers Through an Unactivated C(sp3)−H Bond Functionalization A functionalization of unactivated C(sp3)‐H bond of ethers with styrenes was described. This C−C bond formation has been developed using t‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as a radical initiator and DBU as an additive agent. Typical ethers underwent a free‐radical addition of styrenes to give direct difunctionalization products with excellent regioselectivity and efficiency. This reaction features good yields and functional group compatibility with simple operation and mild conditions. A plausible reaction mechanism has been proposed. DFT simulation and theory calculation also provided important evidence for the proposed free‐radical mechanism.