Redox-Neutral Radical Cascade Cyclization of <i>N</i>-Arylacrylamides with Unactivated Alkyl and Aryl Chlorides

Abstract

Herein, we report the first metal-free, redox-neutral strategy for radical cascade alkylative radical addition, cyclization of N -arylacrylamides with unactivated alkyl chlorides to give corresponding 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles in moderate to good yields. This transformation’s salient features are the utilization of an organo photocatalyst, mild reaction conditions, and broad substrate scope. Moreover, this methodology is suitable for hetero cycle derived acrylamides and further allowed to utilize aryl chlorides for radical cyclization reaction. Finally, DFT studies allow us to shed light on the reaction mechanism.