Visible-Light-Induced Synthesis of Esters via a Self-Propagating Radical Reaction

We herein disclose a visible-light-induced synthesis of O-aryl esters through the cross-dehydrogenative coupling of aldehydes with phenols using BrCCl₃, in which phenolate functions as both a substrate and a photosensitizer. This transition-metal- and photocatalyst-free visible-light-induced esterification is suitable for a wide range of substrates and gives moderate to excellent yields (up to 95%). Mechanistic studies provided evidence of a self-propagating radical reaction involving homolytic cleavage of the aldehydic C–H bond and the formation of acyl bromides. BrCCl₃ serves as an oxidant and a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) agent.