Recent advances in free radical cyclizations of 2-alkenyl benzaldehydes to synthesize benzocycloketones

Abstract

The radical cyclization of 2-alkenyl benzaldehyde derivatives has received great attention over the past few decades and it provides a new route for the synthesis of a large number of functionalized benzocycloketone compounds. Herein, we systematically summarize the recent radical reactions involving 2-alkenyl benzaldehydes, including intramolecular and intermolecular cyclization, which give unique access to structurally valuable benzocycloketone compounds. This review may promote the participation of vinyl-attached carbonyls in radical reactions and thereby accelerate their applications in related fields.