Modular access to 1,2-allenyl ketones based on a photoredox-catalysed radical-polar crossover process

Abstract

Herein, a new protocol dealing with the preparation of 1,2-allenyl ketones has been successfully developed via the reactions of enynes with radicals enabled by dual photoredox/copper catalysis. Based on the results of a deuteration experiment and the competition reaction between cyclopropanation and allenation, the mechanism based on a photoredox-neutral-catalysed radical-polar crossover process has been proposed. Synthetic applications of allenes have also been demonstrated.