Catalyst-free aerobic radical cascade reactions of o-vinylphenylisocyanides with thiols to access 2-thio-substituted quinolines

Abstract

We herein report an efficient and green aerobic radical cascade reaction of o-vinylphenylisocyanides with thiols to access a broad range of 2-thio-substituted quinolines without the need for additional catalysts or oxidants. Mechanistic investigations suggested that this reaction was initiated by a thiyl radical generated under aerobic conditions to form thioimidoyl radicals, followed by radical annulation with a vinyl substituent.