Visible-light photoredox-catalyzed one-pot tandem alkylsulfonylation/cyclization of unactivated alkenes to construct alkylsulfonyl-containing polycyclic quinazolinones has been accomplished. This mild transformation affords the desired products in high compatibility of functional groups and easy scale-up.

Abstract

Visible-light photoredox-catalyzed one-pot tandem alkylsulfonylation/cyclization of unactivated alkenes to construct alkylsulfonyl-containing polycyclic quinazolinones from 4-alkyl Hantzsch esters, DABCO(SO₂)₂ and N-alkene-tethered quinazolinones has been accomplished. This mild transformation accommodates diversely decorated substrates, affords the target products in 69–90% yields, and can be readily scaled up. The efficacy of the current catalysis arises from the use of tetrabutylammonium decatungstate as the photocatalyst and cheap K₂S₂O₈ as the oxidant.