Photocatalytic intermolecular carboarylation of alkenes by selective C-O bond cleavage of diarylethers.

Disclosed herein is a novel radical-mediated intermolecular carboarylation of alkenes by cleaving inert C–O bonds. The strategically designed arylbenzothiazolylether diazonium salts are harnessed as dual-function reagents. A vast array of alkenes are proven to be suitable substrates. The benzothiazolyl moiety in the products serves as the formyl precursor, and the OH residue provides the cross-coupling site for further product elaboration, indicating the robust transformability of the products.