Photochemical cascade (domino) reactions provide a unique opportunity for the construction of complex molecular architectures. Specifically, an intramolecular ortho photocycloaddition of 7-(alkenyloxy)-indanones triggers a sequence of consecutive reactions that can lead in a single operation to the complete skeleton of two important classes of sesquiterpenes: protoilludanes and prezizaenes. In the former case, two transformations follow the initial photocycloaddition, while in the latter case, there are three consecutive transformations, two of which are initiated by a photon. Remarkably, the reaction cascades proceed with exquisite diastereoselectivity, generating three (protoilludane) or five (prezizaene) stereogenic centers with defined relative configurations.1 Introduction2 First Encounter and Initial Studies3 Protoilludane-Type Sesquiterpenes4 Prezizaene-Type Sesquiterpenes5 Enantioselectivity6 Perspective and Summary

The Awakening of a Sleeping Beauty: The ortho Photocycloaddition in the Total Synthesis of Protoilludane- and Prezizaene-Type Sesquiterpenes

Abstract While 2‐alk‐ω‐enyloxy‐sustituted benzaldehydes do not display any photochemical reactivity at the arene core, the respective iminium perchlorates were found to undergo efficient reactions either upon direct irradiation (λ=366 nm) or under sensitizing conditions (λ=420 nm, 2.5 mol% thioxanthen‐9‐one). Three pathways were found: (a) Most commonly, the reaction led to benzoxacyclic products in which the olefin in the tether underwent a formal, yet unprecedented carboformylation (13 examples, 44–99 % yield). The cascade process occurred with high diastereoselectivity and was found to be stereoconvergent. (b) If a substituent resides in the 3‐position of the benzene ring, a meta photocycloaddition was observed which produced tetracyclic skeletons with five stereogenic centers in excellent regio‐ and diastereoselectivity (2 examples, 58–79 % yield). (c) If the tether was internally substituted at the alkene, an arene photocycloaddition was avoided and an azetidine was formed in an aza Paternò–Büchi reaction (2 examples, 95–98 % yield).

Arene Activation through Iminium Ions: Product Diversity from Intramolecular Photocycloaddition Reactions

Photocycloadditions of benzene derivatives with alkenes play an important role as key steps in organic synthesis. Intramolecular reactions have been most frequently studied in this context. Often, meta or [2 + 3] photocycloadditions take place in competition with ortho or [2 + 2] additions. The influence of the substitution pattern and the spin multiplicity of the excited state on the outcome of these reactions is discussed. A topological analysis permitting a systematic application of the [2 + 3] photocycloadditions to the total synthesis of natural products is presented and a selection of corresponding syntheses is discussed. More recently the [2 + 2] photocycloaddition and consecutive rearrangements on organic synthesis have been published. Some approaches in the context of asymmetric synthesis have also been reported. 

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Photocycloadditions of benzene derivatives and their systematic application to organic synthesis

Dearomative photocycloadditions are valuable chemical transformations, serving as an efficient platform to create three-dimensional molecular complexity. However, the photolability of the original addition product especially within the context of ortho cycloadditions often causes undesired consecutive rearrangements, rendering these ortho cycloadducts elusive. Herein, we report an ortho-selective intermolecular photocycloaddition of bicyclic aza-arenes including (iso)quinolines, quinazolines, and quinoxalines by utilizing a strain-release approach. With bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes as coupling partners, this dearomative [2π + 2σ] cycloaddition enables the straightforward construction of C(sp3)-rich bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes directly connected to N-heteroarenes. Photophysical experiments and DFT calculations revealed the origin of the [2π + 2σ] selectivity and indicate that, in addition to the originally proposed energy transfer or direct excitation pathways, a chain reaction mechanism is operative depending on the reaction conditions.

ortho-Selective Dearomative [2π + 2σ] Photocycloadditions of Bicyclic Aza-Arenes.

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Total syntheses of strained polycyclic terpenes

The prezizane-type sesquiterpene agarozizanol B was synthesized employing a photochemical cascade reaction as the key step. Starting from a readily available 1-indanone with a tethered olefin, a strained tetracyclic skeleton was assembled which contained all carbon atoms of the sesquiterpene with the correct relative configuration. The conversion into the tricyclic prezizane skeleton was accomplished by a strategic cyclopropane bond cleavage. Prior to the cyclopropane ring opening an adaption of the oxidation state was required, which could be combined with a reductive resolution step. After removal of two functional groups, the natural product was obtained both in racemic form or, if resolved, as the (+)-enantiomer which was shown to be identical to the natural product.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/anie.202110009

Niklas Rauscher

Papers

Concise Total Synthesis of Agarozizanol B via a Strained Photocascade Intermediate

Total Synthesis of (+)-Prezizaan-15-ol, (+)-Jinkohol II, and (+)-Jinkoholic Acid.