The photomediated reaction of alkynes with cycloalkanes

Abstract

In the presence of a photomediator such as benzophenone, alkynes with electron-withdrawing groups react with cycloalkanes to give vinyl cycloalkanes. The reaction involves the regiospecific addition of a photochemically generated cycloalkyl radical to the β-carbon of the alkyne. The stereochemical outcome of the reaction depends on the nature of the photomediator and alkyne used.