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.
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)