Photochemical functionalization of allyl benzoates by C–H insertion

The photoreactivity of allyl benzoates, containing an electron-rich double bond, has been explored by irradiation at 305 nm in different solvents. Solvent addition products arising from an insertion of the alpha H–C bonds of THF, dioxane, and i-PrOH to the allylic double bond was realized. The observed reactivity depended on reaction conditions and substitution pattern of the substrate. A DFT study on this unusual reaction was performed allowing the formulation of two mechanistic pathways.