Visible-Light [4+2] Homodimerization of Decomposition-Prone Styrenes via Electron Transfer Catalysis of Diaryl Diselenides

Org Lett. 2024 May 10;26(18):4008-4012. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c01210. Epub 2024 Apr 29.

Abstract

The facile electron transfer catalysis of diaryl diselenides was utilized for the visible-light [4+2] homodimerization of decomposition-prone styrenes. The reaction required only 0.5 mol % TPT+BF4- photocatalyst and 1.5 mol % electron transfer catalyst (ArSe)2. The spontaneous electron transfer capability of diaryl diselenides was demonstrated for the first time, leading to the sequestration of redox-prone radical cation intermediates via electron transfer processes. A variety of polymerization-prone styrenes smoothly underwent the visible-light-promoted [4+2] homodimerization to tetralin derivatives.