Homocoupling of benzyl pyridyl ethers visible light-mediated deoxygenation

The photocatalytic coupling of ethers is uncommon because of the challenges in breaking C-O bonds and low selectivity. Herein, we report a visible light-mediated deoxygenation homocoupling of benzyl pyridyl ethers via their pyridium salts. This approach enables C(sp 3 )-O bond homolysis under mild conditions. Mechanistic experiments support the radical nature of the reaction. This method is highly compatible with electron-withdrawing groups and has potential applications for drug precursor synthesis. The challenging cleavage of C-O bonds in ethers was successfully accomplished through a visible light-mediated deoxygenation process of benzyl pyridyl ethers via their corresponding pyridinium salts.