Copper-catalyzed synthesis of CN-containing chroman-4-ones via intramolecular radical cascade acyl-cyanation reaction

Abstract

A copper-catalyzed intramolecular radical cascade acyl-cyanation to synthesize cyano-containing chroman-4-ones has been developed. A series of CN-substituted chroman-4-one derivatives can be prepared with moderate to good yields using green cyano source under mild conditions. Control experiments indicated this reaction involved an intramolecular acyl radical addition/cyanation process. Moreover, this protocol features step- and atom-economy, and the introduction of cyano group into the chroman-4-one is of great interest and importance.