Addition of Benzyl Halides to Aldehydes and Imines Using Photoactivated TDAE: Access to 3,4-Dihydroisocoumarins, 1,2-Diarylethanols, and 1,2-Diarylcarbamates under Metal-Free Conditions.

We describe herein the intermolecular addition reaction of benzyl halides to aldehydes and imines using photoactivated tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE) as superphotoreductant. 3,4-Dihydroisocoumarins, 1,2-diarylethanols, and 1,2-diarylcarbamates were obtained with good functional group tolerance using simple, mild, and metal-free conditions.