Photoredox-Catalyzed Benzylic Esterification via Radical-Polar Crossover

Photoredox-catalyzed C–O bond formation reactions are reported. The decarboxylative esterification reaction allows the conversion of a variety of arylacetic acids into the corresponding benzyl carboxylates. Furthermore, the use of (diacetoxyiodo)­benzene allows the conversion of the benzylic C–H bond through hydrogen atom transfer. The reactions were applied to the divergent transformation of pharmaceuticals via decarboxylative or C–H esterification reactions.