Organic Photocatalytic Cyclization of Polyenes: A Visible-Light-Mediated Radical Cascade Approach

A visible-light-mediated, organic photocatalytic stereoselective radical cascade cyclization of polyprenoids is described. The desired cascade cyclization products are achieved in good yields and high stereoselectivities with eosin Y as photocatalyst in hexafluoro-2-propanol. The catalyst system is also suitable for 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, which require only catalytic amounts of LiBr to promote the formation of the corresponding enols.