Synthesis of 2-pyrrolidinone derivatives via N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed radical tandem cyclization/coupling reactions

Abstract

Herein, a practical, convenient and facile protocol for constructing highly functionalized 2-pyrrolidinone enabled by N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed radical tandem cyclization has been developed (30 examples, up to 94% yield). This method is transition metal free, and shows broad substrate scope with excellent functional group compatibility and high efficiency.