Study on the ArI-catalyzed intramolecularoxy-cyclization of 2-alkenylbenzamides to benzoiminolactones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1039/d0ob00612b

A new intramolecularoxy-cyclization of 2-alkenylbenzamides catalyzed by ArI has been developed. This protocol is highlighted by its metal-free catalytic system and extremely short reaction time, providing efficient and straightforward access to various benzoiminolactones in good to excellent yields. Interestingly, a regioselective transformation occurred when using two different reaction systems. Mechanistic studies suggested thatmCPBA acts as both oxidant and ligand at the I^IIIcenter, and the Lewis acid BF₃accelerated ligand exchange and reductive elimination in the catalytic process.