Visible-Light-Induced Regioselective Cascade Radical Cyclization of α-Bromocarbonyls: Access to Benzazepine Derivatives

Visible-light-induced regioselective cascade radical cyclization of alpha-bromocarbonyls for the synthesis of benzazepine derivatives is described. In the presence of fac-Ir(ppy)3 (2.0 mol %) as a photocatalyst, 2,6-lutidine as a base, and dichloromethane as a solvent, the reactions proceed smoothly to afford seven-membered rings in good yields. This protocol features a broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and mild reaction conditions. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that the generation of the alpha-carbon radical is more prone to react with the 1,1-diphenylethylene tethered acrylamide to generate the stable seven-membered heterocycle.