Selective divergent radical cyclization of 1,6-dienes with alkyl nitriles

Abstract

An efficient, selective, and step economical radical cyclization of 1,6-dienes with alkyl nitriles initiated by α-C(sp³)–H functionalization under the Sc(OTf)₃ and Ag₂CO₃ system is described here. The selective divergent cyclization relies on the substitution effect at the α-position of the acrylamide moiety and nitriles, which is terminated by hydrogen abstraction, direct cyclization with the aryl ring, or further cyclization with the CN bond and hydrolysis, respectively.