Transition-Metal-Free Radical Cyclization of 2-Arylbenzoimidazoles with Unactivated Alkanes via C(sp3)-H Functionalizations in Aqueous Media

Here we present a transition-metal-free radical cyclization of 2-arylbenzoimidazoles with unactivated alkanes. By using di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) to promote the C(sp(3))-H bond functionalization, this approach enables assembly of various benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones in aqueous media. This strategy can not only well tolerate a wide range of cyclic alkanes, straight-chain alkanes, toluene derivatives, as well as pharmaceutical molecule eudesmol, but also provides an approach for the functionalization of unactivated C(sp(3))-H bonds in aqueous media under transition-metal-free systems.

Automated summary

In this study, a transition-metal-free radical cyclization of 2-arylbenzoimidazoles with unactivated alkanes in aqueous media is presented. By using di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) to promote the C(sp(3))-H bond functionalization, various benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones can be assembled. This strategy not only tolerates a wide range of alkanes and toluene derivatives, but also provides an approach for the functionalization of unactivated C(sp(3))-H bonds in aqueous media under transition-metal-free systems.