Photocatalytic anion oxidation achieves direct aerobic difunctionalization of alkenes leading to β-thiocyanato alcohols

A novel visible light-driven oxidative cascade reaction for the synthesis of β -thiocyanato alcohols via difunctionalization of alkenes is described for the first time. In this protocol inorganic ion thiocyanate was successfully converted into radical through photocatalysis by employing Rose Bengal as a photocatalyst to mediate the single-electron transfer. This hydroxylation process did not need extra reducing agent and the new C S and C O bonds could be constructed in one pot. Molecular oxygen not only was used as an excellent terminal oxidant , but also served as a green oxygen source, which is one of the most ideal processes to realize C H bond oxidation functionalization . Moreover, the reaction also proceeded very well under irradiation of sunlight.