Synthesis of ester-containing phenanthridines via photoredox-catalyzed radical cascade cyclization of N-arylacrylamides with alkyloxalyl chlorides

Abstract

A new alkoxycarbonyl-radical-triggered cascade cyclization reaction of N-(o-cyanobiaryl)acrylamides with alkyloxalyl chlorides has been developed. With this method, a broad range of ester-containing phenanthridines are prepared through photoredox-catalyzed alkoxycarbonyl radical addition/nitrile insertion/cyclization with N-(o-cyanobiaryl)acrylamides under mild conditions. This strategy features a wide substrate scope, metal free conditions, and operational simplicity.