Combined Photoredox and Carbene Catalysis for the Synthesis of γ‐Aryloxy Ketones.

N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have emerged as catalysts for the construction of C−C bonds in the synthesis of substituted ketones under single‐electron processes. Despite these recent reports, there still remains a need to increase the utility and practicality of these reactions by exploring new radical coupling partners. Herein, we report the synthesis of γ‐aryloxyketones via combined NHC/photoredox catalysis. In this reaction, an α‐aryloxymethyl radical is generated via oxidation of an aryloxymethyl potassium trifluoroborate salt, which is then added into styrene derivatives to provide a stabilized benzylic radical. Subsequent radical‐radical coupling reaction with an azolium radical affords the γ‐aryloxy ketone products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]