Synthesis of Chiral Tetrahydrofurans and Pyrrolidines by Visible-Light-Mediated Deoxygenation.

The synthesis of chiral tetrahydrofurans and pyrrolidines starting from 1,2-diols or β-amino alcohols, respectively, by visible-light-mediated deoxygenation is described. Easily accessible monoallylated/propargylated substrates were activated either as inexpensive ethyl oxalates or as recyclable 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoates to generate alkyl radicals suitable for 5--/5-- cyclizations under visible-light irradiation.