# Discovery and Development of an Aerobic Radical Hydroxyarylation Reaction Using Aryl Halides, Olefins, and O2

## TL;DR

Scientists developed a new chemical reaction that uses light and oxygen to create complex ring structures from simple starting materials.

## Contribution

A novel aerobic radical hydroxyarylation reaction is introduced, enabling mild synthesis of hydroxylated ring systems.

## Key findings

- Photoredox activation generates aryl radicals for hydroxyarylation under mild conditions.
- The reaction enables 5-exo, 6-exo, and dearomative cyclizations to form fused ring systems.
- Iodide is identified as essential in the catalytic cycle when using aryl bromides.

## Abstract

Herein, we report the development of a radical hydroxyarylation
reaction through the coupling of an aryl radical, an olefin, and O2. Photoredox activation of a silyl radical halogen atom abstractor
enables mild aryl radical generation and reactivity in 5-exo, 6-exo, and dearomative cyclizations to synthesize
a variety of hydroxylated semisaturated fused ring systems. Expansion
of the substrate scope to include aryl bromide starting materials
reveals the crucial role of iodide in the catalytic cycle.