Visible-light-induced formal [3+2] cycloaddition for pyrrole synthesis under metal-free conditions

Abstract

A photocatalytic formal [3+2] cycloaddition of 2H-azirines with alkynes has been achieved under irradiation by visible light in the presence of organic dye photocatalysts. This transformation provides efficient access to highly functionalized pyrroles in good yields and has been applied to the synthesis of drug analogues. A primary trial of photocascade catalysis merging energy transfer and redox neutral reactions was shown to be successful.

Keywords: cycloaddition; dyes; heterocycles; photochemistry; synthetic methods.