Site-selectivity in C(sp3)–H functionalization of aliphatic alcohols and alkanes was studied using the decatungstate anion as a photocatalyst. In the case of aliphatic alcohols, C–H bond α to the hydroxy group was preferentially functionalized. The α-site-selectivity is rationalized by polar effects imparted by the hydroxy group in the SH2 transition states. In contrast, C–H functionalization of alkanes was largely affected by steric effects.
A radical C–C bond formation between olefins and alcohols proceeded efficiently by simple light irradiation at room temperature. The reaction proceeded in the presence of commercially available tBuOOtBu without using the harmful elements and/or compounds that have an unpleasant smell that are often used in conventional radical reactions. In addition, the reaction did not require photosensitizers or
sunlight-induced CC bond formation reactions upon the addition of alcohols/ethers/acetals to olefins proceeded efficiently using di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP). The reactions proceeded faster than many of the previously reported sunlight and many conventional lamp photolyses, typically in 3–4 h under irradiation with sunlight, in excellent yield using olefins bearing two electron withdrawing groups (EWGs)