A variety of linear dienynes can deliver complex tetracyclic frameworks in the presence of an IrIII complex and visible light. Product formation involves the generation of four new C-C bonds and six contiguous stereocenters, which decorate two [3.1.0] bicyclic units tethered through their bridging quaternary carbon atoms. The internal alkyne acts as a formal dicarbenoid for the generation of two cyclopropanes in these radical cation cascades. This behavior has not been previously observed for organic reactive intermediates and can be extended to intermolecular reactions and diendiynes.
Keywords: carbenoids; domino reactions; photocatalysis; radical cations; visible light.
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