A general electron donor–acceptor complex enabled cascade cyclization of alkynes to access sulfur-containing heterocycles

Abstract

We disclosed a general visible light-promoted and electron–donor–acceptor complex-enabled cascade reaction of alkynes via a radical addition/cyclization cascade sequence under photocatalyst-, base-, oxidant- and metal-free conditions. Arylsulfinic acids as electron donors and methylthio substituted aromatics as electron acceptors were applied to produce functionalized sulfur-containing heterocycles.