Visible-light-mediated oxidative coupling of vinylarenes with bromocarboxylates leading to γ-ketoesters.

A photocatalytic strategy for the synthesis of gamma-ketoesters was reported. Using DMSO as both the solvent and terminal oxidant, oxidative coupling of vinylarenes with bromocarboxylates proceeded readily, giving a variety of gamma-ketoesters in good isolated yields and with a broad functional-group tolerance.