Photochemical synthesis of 3-hydroxyphenanthro[9,10-c]furan-1(3H)-ones from α-keto acids and alkynes

Abstract

A novel and efficient method for the synthesis of 3-hydroxyphenanthro[9,10-c]furan-1(3H)-ones has been achieved from readily available α-keto acids and alkynes through photo-initiated transformation, providing a range of structurally diverse products in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. Mechanistic studies reveal that this reaction undergoes photo-induced radical addition/cyclization and hydrogen evolution cascade processes.