CuBr-Mediated Oxyalkylation of Vinylarenes under Aerobic Conditions via Cleavage of sp³ C−H Bonds α to Oxygen

A novel difunctionalization reaction of vinylarenes with cyclic ethers has been developed by copper catalysis via direct activation of alpha-sp(3) C-H bonds of oxygen in the presence of 1-1.2 equiv of TBHP under mild aerobic conditions. The reaction shows excellent regioselectivities and good functional group tolerance to give the oxyalkylated products of vinylarenes.