Functionalisation of ethereal-based saturated heterocycles with concomitant aerobic C-H activation and C-C bond formation.

With an ever-growing emphasis on sustainable synthesis, aerobic C-H activation (the use of oxygen in air to activate C-H bonds) represents a highly attractive conduit for the development of novel synthetic methodologies. Herein, we report the air mediated functionalisation of various saturated heterocycles and ethers aerobically generated radical intermediates to form new C-C bonds using acetylenic and vinyl triflones as radical acceptors. This enables access to a variety of acetylenic and vinyl substituted saturated heterocycles that are rich in synthetic value. Mechanistic studies and control reactions support an aerobic radical-based C-H activation mechanism.