Deoxygenative Asymmetric Cyanation with P(OEt)3 Employing Cooperative Photoredox Catalysis and Copper Catalysis.

The merger of photoredox catalysis with asymmetric copper catalysis has been successfully achieved, enabling the conversion of simply preactivated achiral alcohols into enantiomerically enriched alkyl nitriles via deoxygenation with organophosphorus(III) compounds. The reaction features mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, high yields, and high enantioselectivities. Moreover, the reaction can be scaled up to synthesize key chiral intermediates to bioactive compounds.