Catalyst-free photo-induced aerobic radical synthesis of lactams from N-alkenyl trichloroacetamides in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as the radical initiator under violet light

Abstract

The first violet light-mediated synthesis of γ- and δ-lactams from N-alkenyl trichloroacetamides is reported in tetrahydrofuran or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran alone. These catalyst and additive-free reactions are achieved with non-anhydrous solvents and under an air atmosphere where the solvent serves as the radical initiator.