Accessing Benzoazepine Derivatives via Photoinduced Radical Relay Formal [5 + 2] Reaction of Amide/Alkyne Enabled by Palladium Catalysis

Org Lett. 2024 Apr 5;26(13):2662-2667. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c00979. Epub 2024 Mar 26.

Abstract

A novel class of alkyne-tethered amides facilitates an unprecedented photoinduced palladium-catalyzed radical relay formal [5 + 2] reaction. This innovative strategy allows for the rapid construction of diverse fused benzoazepine structures, yielding structurally novel and compelling compounds. With a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance, the methodology synthesizes biologically active compounds. Notably, the resulting tricyclic benzo[b]azepines offer diversification opportunities through simple transformations. DFT calculations elucidate a seven-membered ring closure mechanism involving the alkenyl radical and Pd(I) rebound alongside a concerted metalation-deprotonation (CMD) process.