Photoaddition reaction of 1,2-dialkyl-indoles and -pyrroles to 1-methyl-2-pyridone via proton transfer from the 2-methylene group of the indole or pyrrole

Abstract

On irradiation, 1,2-dialkyl-indoles and-pyrroles undergo 1,2- and 1,4-addition to 1-methyl-2-pyridone in a reaction involving single electron transfer followed by proton transfer from the 2-alkyl group of the indole or pyrrole; bonding takes place between C-3 of the indole, or C-1 of the 2-alkyl group of the indole or pyrrole and C-4 or C-6 of the pyridone, respectively.