Accessing Molecular Complexity from Methane and Other Gaseous Alkanes via Photocatalytic Cascade Cyclization
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The direct transformation of simple and abundant feedstocks into structurally complex molecules remains a central challenge in modern organic synthesis. Herein, we report a method for the oxidative cascade cyclization of N-aryl and N-benzoyl acrylamide derivatives, promoted by methane and other gaseous alkanes. This transformation is enabled by a readily available iron catalyst in combination with N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) as the oxidant, proceeding under mild conditions to afford a diverse array of N-heterocyclic frameworks in high yields. Late-stage functionalization studies highlight the utility of methane in the synthesis of biologically relevant scaffolds. Moreover, the Fe/NFSI system facilitates a radical sampling regime that enables the selective functionalization of less reactive primary C─H bonds. Overall, this work establishes a sustainable and versatile platform for constructing molecular complexity directly from gaseous alkanes.
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,510
OpenAlex ID: W4417483483