Visible-light-mediated oxidative dimerization of arylalkynes in the open air: Stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-1,4-enediones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/acs.orglett.6b02926

An organic photoredox catalytic one-pot protocol is developed for the highly stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-1,4-enediones. The reaction starts directly from alkyne precursors, using 4-(4-cyanophenyl)-2,6-diphenylpyrylium tetrafluoroborate (CN-TPT) as an efficient photosensitizer and dioxygen in the air as a green oxidant. A C_sp-C_sp oxidative coupling/[4 + 2] cyclization (with dioxygen)/fragmentive isomerization cascade mechanism was proposed. The predominant formation of (Z)-1,4-enediones is attributed to the efficient visible-light illumination from blue LEDs, along with possible energy transfer from the photosensitizer CN-TPT to the E-isomers.