Iron-catalyzed cascade cyanoalkylation/radical dearomatization of N-phenylcinnamamides: access to cyanoalkylated 1-azaspiro[4.5]decanes

Abstract

An iron-catalyzed cascade radical cyanoalkylative dearomatization of N-phenyl cinnamamides was developed. A direct access to the 1-azaspiro[4.5]decanes motif with good regioselectivity and diastereoselectivity was provided, which was initiated by cyanoalkylation of alkenes. Functionalization of the C(sp³)–H bond and construction of two C(sp³)–C(sp³) bonds were involved in one step.