Catalyst‐Free Photoredox Addition–Cyclisations: Exploitation of Natural Synergy between Aryl Acetic Acids and Maleimide. Issue 18 (20th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manley, David W.; Mills, Andrew; O'Rourke, Christopher; Slawin, Alexandra M. Z.; Walton, John C.
• Is Part Of: Chemistry. Volume 20:Issue 18(2014)
• Page Start: 5492
• Page End: 5500
• Publication Date: 2014-03-20
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201304929
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0947-6539

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Suitably functionalised carboxylic acids undergo a previously unknown photoredox reaction when irradiated with UVA in the presence of maleimide. Maleimide was found to synergistically act as a radical generating photoxidant and as a radical acceptor, negating the need for an extrinsic photoredox catalyst. Modest to excellent yields of the product chromenopyrroledione, thiochromenopyrroledione and pyrroloquinolinedione derivatives were obtained in thirteen preparative photolyses. In situ NMR spectroscopy was used to study each reaction. Reactant decay and product build‐up were monitored, enabling reaction profiles to be plotted. A plausible mechanism, whereby photo‐excited maleimide acts as an oxidant to generate a radical ion pair, has been postulated and is supported by UV/Vis. spectroscopy and DFT computations. The radical‐cation reactive intermediates were also characterised in solution by EPR spectroscopy.</p> </abstract>