Visible light mediated photocatalytic [2 + 2] cycloaddition/ring-opening rearomatization cascade of electron-deficient azaarenes and vinylarenes.

ABSTRACT: The broad presence of azaarene moieties in natural products has promoted the development of new functionalization reactions, giving access to larger libraries of bioactive compounds. The light promoted [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction to generate cyclobutanes has been extensively studied in photochemistry. In particular, De Mayo reported the [2 + 2] cycloaddition followed by retroaldol condensation between enols of 1,3-dicarbonyls and double bonds to synthesize 1,5-dicarbonyls. Herein, we describe the [2 + 2] photocycloaddition followed by a ring-opening rearomatization reaction between electron-deficient 2-methylene-azaarenes and double bonds, taking advantage of the ability of these heterocyclic derivatives to form the corresponding pseudo-enamine intermediate. The procedure shows a high functional group tolerance either on the double bond or the heteroarene side and allows the presence of different electron-withdrawing groups. In addition, the wide applicability of this reaction has been demonstrated through the late-stage derivatization of several natural products. Photochemical studies, together with theoretical calculations, support a mechanism involving the photosensitization of the pseudo-enamine intermediate.

SUBMITTER: Salaverri N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9814732 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature