Photo/Electrochemical‐Mediated C(sp3)–H Bond Functionalization of (Thio)Ethers

Molecules containing ether skeletons are widely present in drugs, natural products, functional materials, and life science. Direct C(sp3)–H bond ether functionalization is considered a powerful strategy for the construction of novel ether derivatives. Photo-/electro-chemical technology is a relatively green and sustainable synthesis method, which opens up a broad application prospect in the field of direct functionalization of C(sp3)–H bonds. In recent years, photo-/electro-mediated C(sp3)–H bond alkylation, arylation, alkynylation, esterification, mercaptoylation, sulfidation, and amination of ethers have been extensively studied. In this review, the research progress of photo-/electro-mediated C(sp3)–H bond functionalization of ether compounds from 2014 to 2023 is systematically reviewed, and the scope, limitations, and mechanisms for some reactions are discussed.