Visible light sensitization of benzoyl azides: Cascade cyclization toward oxindoles: Via a non-nitrene pathway

Abstract

Visible light sensitization of benzoyl azides was examined in reaction with N-phenylmethacrylamides to afford biologically important oxindoles and spirooxindoles via a cascade cyclization under mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic studies suggested a non-nitrene pathway, where triplet benzoyl azides act as the reactive intermediate. © 2017 The Royal Society of Chemistry