Photocatalytic method cleaves strong C–H bonds while preserving weaker C–Si bonds

α-Silyl alcohols are unique organosilicon compounds bearing a silyl group and a hydroxy group on the same carbon atom. Because these compounds serve as precursors to reactive species, such as carbanions and carbon radicals, they are pivotal building blocks for synthesizing pharmaceuticals and functional materials. However, their synthesis often requires multistep procedures and suffers from poor functional group tolerance. Developing simpler and more versatile synthetic methodologies has therefore become increasingly important.