Visible-light-promoted catalyst-/additive-free synthesis of aroylated heterocycles in a sustainable solvent

Abstract

A general visible-light-induced catalyst-/additive-free strategy was developed for the construction of various aroylated heterocycles (55 examples, up to 95% yield, including modification of pharmaceuticals and natural products) such as thioflavones, benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones, indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)ones, quaternary 3,3-dialkyl 2-oxindoles, quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones, and benzo[e][1,2,3]oxathiazine 2,2-dioxides in a green solvent (dimethyl carbonate) under air and room temperature conditions. This practical acylation process was achieved using 4-acyl-1,4-dihydropyridines (acyl-DHPs) as acylating reagents under mild conditions, avoiding the use of catalysts, bases, additional oxidants, and traditional organic solvents.