Development of an Easy-To-Handle Redox Active Group for Alcohols: Catalytic Transformation of Tertiary Alcohols to Nitriles.

The generation of radical intermediates via SET-mediated deoxygenation of activated alcohol derivatives is desirable, as alcohols can be utilized in various radical-mediated reactions. Herein, we introduce α--phthalimido-oxy isobutyrate (NPIB) as a novel activating group for alcohols. Essentially, it is a more chemically robust alternative to Overman's -phthalimidoyl oxalate group. The utility of the NPIB group is showcased in the conversion of tertiary alcohols to nitriles under Ir/Cu dual catalysts and in the presence of TMSCN upon blue LED irradiation. With our newly developed NPIB handle, the reactivities of -hydroxyphthalimide esters derived from carboxylic acids would be achievable with naturally and commercially more abundant alcohol substrates.