Redox-neutral decarboxylative photocyclization of anthranilic acids

Abstract

A mild metal-, catalyst-, and oxidant-free photoredox neutral system has been found to efficiently enable intramolecular decarboxylative cyclization of anthranilic acids. This facile protocol provides an alternative method for the synthesis of carbazoles. Mechanistic studies reveal a key photoinduced 6π-electrocyclization process and formic acid was released as the sole byproduct.