Redox-Neutral Dual Functionalization of Electron-Deficient Alkenes

Chemistry. 2017 Jun 1;23(31):7444-7447. doi: 10.1002/chem.201701589. Epub 2017 May 10.

Abstract

Visible-light photoredox catalysis has been utilized in a new multicomponent reaction forming β-functionalized δ-diketones under mild conditions in an operationally convenient manner. Single-electron reduction of in situ generated carboxylic acid derivatives forms acyl radicals that react further via 1,2-acylalkylation of olefins in an intermolecular, three-components cascade reaction, giving valuable synthetic entities from readily available starting materials. A diverse set of substrates has been used, demonstrating robust methodology with broad substrate scope.

Keywords: acyl radicals; carboxylic acids; cascade transformation; multicomponent reactions; photoredox catalysis.