Transition metal-free approach for late-stage benzylic C(sp 3 )-H etherifications and esterifications.

We report a transition metal-free approach for the regioselective functionalization of benzylic C(sp 3 )-H bonds using alcohols and carboxylic acids as the nucleophiles. This straightforward and general route has provided various benzylic ethers and esters, including twelve pharmaceutically relevant compounds.