Metal-free oxidative radical addition of carbonyl compounds to α,α-diaryl allylic alcohols: synthesis of highly functionalized ketones.

A metal-free direct alkylation of simple carbonyl compounds (ketones, esters, and amides) with α,α-diaryl allylic alcohols is described. The protocol provides facile access to highly functionalized dicarbonyl ketones by a radical addition/1,2-aryl migration cascade. The regioselectivity of the reaction was precisely controlled by the nature of the carbonyl compound.