Direct Dehydrogenation of Ethers to Vinyl Ethers by Decatungstate and Cobaloxime Dual Catalysis

Vinyl ethers are valuable intermediates in polymer and organic synthesis. Most existing routes require prefunctionalization and multiple steps, increasing complexity and reducing efficiency. Here we report a direct photocatalytic dehydrogenation of readily available ethers to access vinyl ethers. The protocol exhibits broad functional-group tolerance and enables late-stage functionalization. The transformation proceeds via synergistic catalysis by sodium decatungstate (NaDT) and a cobaloxime, and mechanistic studies support a radical, acceptorless dehydrogenation pathway.