NHC-mediated photocatalytic deoxygenation of alcohols for the synthesis of internal alkynes via a Csp 3 -Csp coupling reaction.

NHC-mediated deoxygenation of alcohols under photocatalytic conditions is described. The process provides various alkyl radicals, which can react with 1-bromoalkyne via Csp 3 -Csp coupling to afford internal alkynes in moderate to good yields. The method offers a new and convenient approach to synthesize internal alkynes.