Visible-light photocatalytic, metal-free synthesis of valuable alpha-alkoxybenzamides starting with readily prepared o-aminobenzamides and alcohols through radical translocation under mild conditions is reported. This protocol employs eosin Y as an organophotoredox catalyst and readily available tert-butyl nitrite as the nitrosating reagent. These transformations occur in the absence of any transition metal and the title compounds are obtained in moderate to good yields. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.