Modular Synthesis of Polar Spirocyclic Scaffolds Enabled by Radical Chemistry

Photoredox-Enabled Deconstructive [5 + 1] Annulation Approach to Isoquinolones from Indanones in Water

We disclose a deconstructive [5 + 1] annulation protocol for the synthesis of isoquinolones through a nitrogen insertion into abundant indanones. This method exploits photoredox-catalyzed ring-opening of oxime esters. The reaction proceeds smoothly with water as the reaction medium and tolerates a range of functional groups on diverse thiophenols, amines, or indanones. Moreover, the representative isoquinolones exhibit promising antifungal activities.

Modular synthesis of congested β2,2-amino acids via the merger of photocatalysis and oxidative functionalisations

A two-step protocol for the modular synthesis of β2- and α-quaternary β2,2-amino acid derivatives is reported. The key steps are a photocatalytic hydroalkylation reaction, followed by an oxidative functionalisation to access N-protected β-amino acids, esters, and amides. This strategy can be effectively scaled up via continuous-flow technology.