Enantioselective photoredox- and Cu-catalyzed alkoxycyanation of styrenes to synthesize chiral β-cyanoethers

The enantioselective alkoxycyanation of styrenes by a cooperative photoredox and copper catalysis system has been established, providing straightforward access to structurally diverse chiral β-cyanoethers in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities under mild conditions. In addition, the reaction features wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance, and the resultant chiral β-cyanoethers could be easily converted to a series of chiral amides, esters, etc.