Electrophotoredox cerium-catalyzed decarboxylative radical cyclization cascade for the synthesis of alkylated benzimidazo-fused isoquinolinones

Abstract

We report here an electrophotoredox cerium-catalyzed ligand-to-metal-charge-transfer (LMCT) strategy to incorporate a broad range of primary, secondary and tertiary carboxylic acids into radical cyclization cascades under external oxidant-free conditions. This protocol provides a solution to address the challenges associated with alkylated benzimidazo-fused isoquinolinones synthesis. The high functional group compatibility was demonstrated by the tolerance of ester, carbonyl, amide, sulfonyl and hydroxyl groups.