Cyclization Cascades via N-Amidyl Radicals toward Highly Functionalized Heterocyclic Scaffolds

The addition of a variety of radicals to the double bond of N-(arylsulfonyl)acrylamides can trigger cyclization/aryl migration/desulfonylation cascades via amidyl radical intermediates 2. Herein, we demonstrate the synthetic utility of these intermediates in subsequent CC and CX bond-forming events to rapidly build up molecular complexity. First, we describe a regioselective one-pot synthesis of CF3-, SCF3-, Ph-2(O)P-, and N-3-containing indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones from N-[(2-ethynyl)arylsulfonyl]acrylamides through a multi-step radical reaction cascade. The process involves the one-pot formation of four new bonds (one CX, two CC, and one CN), a formal 1,4-aryl migration, and desulfonylation of the starting material. Second, we present a one-pot synthesis of 3,3-disubstituted-2-dihydropyridinones from N-(arylsulfonyl)acrylamides and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. In this case, a silver-catalyzed radical cascade process involving the sequential formation of two new CC bonds and one CN bond, a formal 1,4-aryl migration, and desulfonylation of the starting material explains the regioselective formation of densely functionalized heterocycles in a straightforward manner. Control experiments have unraveled the key intermediates as well as the sequence of individual steps involved in these transformations.