Visible light-mediated selective α-functionalization of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds via disulfide induced aerobic oxidation.

A visible light-mediated α-functionalization of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with switchable selectivity induced by disulfide is disclosed. Upon irradiation with visible light, the metal- and base-free α-hydroxylation or α-hydroxymethylation reaction proceeded smoothly through a disulfide-catalyzed oxidation under mild conditions. The combination of a continuous-flow strategy could further improve the reaction efficiencies.