Organophotocatalytic cascade cyclization reactions for the synthesis of cyanoalkyl indole[2,1-a]isoquinolinones

Visible-light-induced C-C bond breakage of cyclobutanone oxime esters reacted with 2-aryl indole derivatives to afford a variety of cyanoalkyl indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinones in high yields was developed. The organophotocatalytic radical cascade cyclization reaction uses an inexpensive photosensitizer without any additives in a simple and scalable set-up, and allows the inclusion of many other functional groups.

Automated summary

A visible-light-induced organophotocatalytic reaction has been developed for high-yield synthesis of cyanoalkyl indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinones through the reaction of cyclobutanone oxime esters with 2-aryl indole derivatives. The reaction utilizes an inexpensive photosensitizer and does not require any additives. It also allows for the incorporation of various functional groups.