Photo-induced benzannulation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with alkynes under external-oxidant-free conditions

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent architecturally important frameworks that are frequently found in natural products. Herein, a C-H bond activation approach for 1,3dicarbonyl compounds is disclosed that proceeds coupling with alkynes to deliver polysubstituted naphthols via photoredox and cobaloxime catalysis. This protocol is distinguished without using stoichiometric amount of oxidants, Lewis acids, bases or prehalogenation of substrates.