Visible-light-induced radical 1,2-aryl migration in diaryl allyl alcohols for efficient synthesis of 1,5-dicarbonyl compounds†

Herein, we developed a protocol for Ir(iii)-photocatalyzed, visible-light-driven radical 1,2-aryl migration in diaryl allyl alcohols, leading to the formation of 1,5-dicarbonyl compounds under additive-free conditions, with broad substrate tolerance. Electron-deficient aryl groups exhibit enhanced migration efficiency compared to electron-rich or ortho-substituted analogs. Mechanistic studies implicated the formation of alkyl ester radical intermediates. This is a sustainable method that can be performed under mild conditions.