Intermolecular Dearomatization of Naphthalene Derivatives by Photoredox‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Hydroalkylation

Abstract

AbstractAn intermolecular hydroalkylative dearomatization of naphthalenes with commercially available α‐amino acids is achieved via visible‐light photoredox catalysis. With an organic photocatalyst, a series of multi‐substituted 1,2‐dihydronaphthalenes are obtained in good‐to‐excellent yields. Intriguingly, by tuning the substituents at the C2 position of naphthalenes, formal dearomative [3+2] cycloadditions occur exclusively via a hydroalkylative dearomatization–cyclization sequence. This overall redox‐neutral method features mild reaction conditions, good tolerance of functionalities, and operational simplicity. Diverse downstream elaborations of the products are demonstrated. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest the involvement of a radical–radical coupling pathway.