A combination of ruthenium and photoredox catalysis allowed the ortho olefination of phenols. Using visible light, the direct C-H functionalization of o-(2-pyridyl)phenols occurred, and diverse phenol ethers were obtained in good yields. The regeneration of the ruthenium catalyst was accomplished by a photoredox-catalyzed oxidative process.
Keywords: CH functionalization; alkenylation; photoredox catalysis; superoxide; visible light.
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