Abstract
Indole-tethered ynones form an intramolecular electron donor-acceptor complex that can undergo visible-light-induced charge transfer to promote thiyl radical generation from thiols. This initiates a novel radical chain sequence, based on dearomatising spirocyclisation with concomitant C-S bond formation. Sulfur-containing spirocycles are formed in high yields using this simple and mild synthetic protocol, in which neither transition metal catalysts nor photocatalysts are required. The proposed mechanism is supported by various mechanistic studies, and the unusual radical initiation mode represents only the second report of the use of an intramolecular electron donor-acceptor complex in synthesis.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1353-1360 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Chemical Science |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 5 |
Early online date | 13 Dec 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Feb 2020 |