Silver-mediated radical coupling reaction of isocyanides and alcohols/phenols in the presence of water: unprecedented hydration and radical coupling reaction sequence.

The radical coupling of isocyanides and alcohols/phenols promoted by silver in the presence of water is reported for the first time, which led to the formation of diverse carbamates. In contrast to the well-known 1,1-addition to form imidoyl radicals, a novel reaction mechanism, involving sequential hydration of isocyanides and coupling with alkoxyl/phenoxyl radicals, is disclosed by combining experimental and theoretical studies.