Efficient access to aliphatic esters by photocatalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes with alkyloxalyl chlorides

Abstract Aliphatic esters are essential constituents of biologically active compounds and versatile chemical intermediates for the synthesis drugs. However, their preparation from readily available olefins remains challenging. Here, we report a strategy to access aliphatic through photocatalyzed alkoxycarbonylation reaction. Alkyloxalyl chlorides, generated in situ corresponding alcohols oxalyl chloride, engaged as alkoxycarbonyl radical fragments under photoredox catalysis. This transformation tolerates broad scope electron-rich electron-deficient provides ?-chloro good yields. Additionally, formal ?-selective alkene is developed. Moreover, variety oxindole-3-acetates furoindolines prepared excellent A more concise (±)-physovenine accomplished well. With these strategies, wide range natural-product-derived alkyloxalyl chlorides also successfully employed.