Synthesis of Cyclohexanones by a Tandem Photocatalyzed Annulation

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Apr 27;144(16):7030-7037. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c13105. Epub 2022 Mar 22.

Abstract

The rapid synthesis of cyclic scaffolds is of high importance to the chemistry community. Strategies for the convergent synthesis of substituted carbocycles and heterocycles remain underexplored despite the plethora of applications that these cyclic motifs have in the pharmaceutical and materials industries. Reported herein is a tandem carbene and photoredox-catalyzed process for the convergent synthesis of substituted cycloalkanones via a formal [5 + 1] cycloaddition. Featuring two distinct photoredox cycles and a novel α-oxidation of benzylic ketones, this reaction offers a mild approach to construct two contiguous C-C bonds and eliminates the need for strong bases or expensive metal catalysts. The utility of this method is highlighted through various product diversification reactions that allow access to a range of important cyclic scaffolds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Cycloaddition Reaction
  • Cyclohexanones*
  • Ketones* / chemistry
  • Metals

Substances

  • Cyclohexanones
  • Ketones
  • Metals