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Updated: May 9, 2026

Efficient Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Benzenes in Water via Persulfate-promoted Benzannulation of α,β-Unsaturated Compounds and Alkynes
Published on: December 16, 2019
Solvent-switched benzylic methylene functionalization: addition, ring-opening, cyclization, and unexpected cleavage
Deng Yuan Li1, Xue Song Shang, Guo Rong Chen
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry and Institute of Fine Chemicals, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Intermolecular benzylic methylene functionalization of exo-cyclic enol ethers has been achieved using imines as reagents and potassium tert-butoxide as the catalyst. Depending on the solvent used, the reaction proceeds by two pathways. In THF, an addition/elimination reaction of exo-cyclic enol ethers with imines provides dihydroisobenzofuran derivatives in good yield. In DMSO, an addition/ring-opening/cyclization cascade reaction occurs with unexpected cleavage of C-O and C-C bonds, affording isoquinolin-1(2H)-one products in high yield under ambient reaction conditions.
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