Photocatalyzed Aerobic Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling of Diarylphosphine Oxides with Alcohols and Phenols.

A photocatalytic cross-dehydrogenative coupling of diarylphosphine oxides with alcohols and phenols has been developed. Using organic dye Rose Bengal as the photocatalyst and air as the oxidant, the reaction proceeded smoothly at room temperature. Both alcohols and phenols were feasible, affording various organophosphinates in high yields. The absence of a halogenating reagent, the absence of a transition-metal catalyst, a green oxidant, and mild conditions make this strategy environmentally benign and sustainable. Mechanistic studies indicated that the reaction is enabled by the cooperation of photoredox catalysis and photosensitization.