This work demonstrates photoredox vicinal dichlorination of alkenes, based on the homolysis of CuCl2 in response to irradiation with visible light. This catalysis proceeds via a ligand to metal charge transfer process and provides an exciting opportunity for the synthesis of 1,2‐dichloride compounds using an inexpensive, low‐molecular‐weight chlorine source. This new process exhibits a wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, extraordinarily mild conditions and does not require external ligands. Mechanistic studies show that the ready formation of chlorine atom radicals is responsible for the facile formation of C−Cl bonds in this synthetic process.

In this letter, an unprecedented cross-coupling reaction between copper carbene and nitroso radical has been developed. This radical-carbene coupling reaction (RCC reaction) offers a novel approach for the preparation of various isoxazolines, which features the construction of C-C, C-O, and C═N bonds in a one-pot process. The synthetic utility of our method is further enhanced by its mild reaction conditions, wide substrate scope, and simple procedures.

Herein, we present a novel [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of β-keto esters with nitrile oxides, which were generated in situ from copper carbene and tert-butyl nitrite. This three-component reaction provides new methodology for the direct synthesis of fully substituted isoxazole derivatives, featuring mild reaction conditions, readily accessible starting materials and simple operation. The experimental studies and DFT calculations suggest that the reaction starts with the generation of the key intermediate nitrile oxides, followed by a [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of β-keto esters to give the final isoxazole products.

A novel, secondary amide activation strategy has been developed through the in situ generation of ylides from amides and diazoacetates. Under the developed reaction conditions, Mn-catalyzed ylide formation and interception reaction by sulfonamide delivered a variety of N-sulfonylamidines. Notably, when highly active Zn(OTf) was used as the catalyst, further N-H insertion products were obtained. In contrast with traditional methods, our amide activation strategy is distinguished by accessible starting material, inexpensive catalyst, and broad substrate scope.