Visible-light-driven [3 + 2] cyclization of phenols with indoles and olefins using recyclable Ag3PO4 nanoparticles

Abstract

Ag₃PO₄ promotes the oxidative [3 + 2] annulation of phenols with styrenes and indoles for the syntheses of 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans and benzofuroindolines under visible-light irradiation. The approach is additive-free, mild, scalable, and, most importantly, Ag₃PO₄ recyclable. The mechanism involves the cross-coupling of stabilized phenol radical and styrene radical cation on the Ag₃PO₄ surfaces.