Reinventing the De Mayo reaction: synthesis of 1,5-diketones or 1,5-ketoesters via visible light [2+2] cycloaddition of β-diketones or β-ketoesters with styrenes

Abstract

A visible light mediated De Mayo reaction between 1,3-diketones and styrenes following a [2+2] cycloaddition pathway via a photosensitization mechanism gives access to 1,5-diketones. The reaction has been applied to substituted styrenes and aryl- and alkyl-substituted ketones. Moreover, the method converts β-ketoesters, β-amido esters, and β-cyano ketones. Seven membered rings, a frequent structural motif of natural products, are also accessible using this methodology.