Photoinduced Cycloadditions in the Diversity-Oriented Synthesis Toolbox: Increasing Complexity with Straightforward Postphotochemical Modifications

Aust J Chem. 2015;68(11):1672-1681. doi: 10.1071/CH15266. Epub 2015 Jul 24.

Abstract

Rapid growth of complexity and unprecedented molecular architectures are realized via the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in o-acylamidobenzaldehydes and ketones followed by [4+2] or [4+4] cycloadditions with subsequent postphotochemical modifications. The approach is congruent with Diversity-Oriented Synthesis: photoprecursors are synthesized in a modular fashion allowing for up to four diversity inputs. The complexity of the primary photoproducts is further enhanced using straightforward and high-yielding postphotochemical modification steps such as reactions with nitrile oxides, nitrones, Povarov reaction, and oxa-Diels-Alder reaction.