Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 16, 2025

Microwave-assisted Intramolecular Dehydrogenative Diels-Alder Reactions for the Synthesis of Functionalized Naphthalenes/Solvatochromic Dyes
Published on: April 1, 2013
Intermolecular Dearomatization of Naphthalene Derivatives by Photoredox-Catalyzed 1,2-Hydroalkylation
Yuan-Zheng Cheng1, Xu-Lun Huang1, Wei-Hui Zhuang1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Lu, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Abstract:
An intermolecular hydroalkylative dearomatization of naphthalenes with commercially available α-amino acids is achieved via visible-light photoredox catalysis. With an organic photocatalyst, a series of multi-substituted 1,2-dihydronaphthalenes are obtained in good-to-excellent yields. Intriguingly, by tuning the substituents at the C2 position of naphthalenes, formal dearomative [3+2] cycloadditions occur exclusively via a hydroalkylative dearomatization-cyclization sequence. This overall redox-neutral method features mild reaction conditions, good tolerance of functionalities, and operational simplicity. Diverse downstream elaborations of the products are demonstrated. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest the involvement of a radical-radical coupling pathway.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Alkynes to Aldehydes and Ketones: Hydroboration-Oxidation
One of the convenient methods for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones is via hydration of alkynes. Hydroboration-oxidation of alkynes is an indirect hydration reaction in which an alkyne is treated with borane followed by oxidation with alkaline peroxide to form an enol that rapidly converts into an aldehyde or a ketone. Terminal alkynes form aldehydes, whereas internal alkynes give ketones as the final product.
Reduction of Alkynes to cis-Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Like alkenes, alkynes can be reduced to alkanes in the presence of transition metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, or Ni. The reaction involves two sequential syn additions of hydrogen via a cis-alkene intermediate.
Hydroboration-Oxidation of Alkenes
Hydrolysis of Chlorobenzene to Phenol: Dow Process
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Hydroboration
Hydroboration proceeds in a concerted fashion with the attack of borane on the π bond, giving a cyclic four-centered transition state. The –BH2 group is bonded to the less substituted carbon and –H to the more substituted carbon. The concerted nature requires the simultaneous addition of –H and –BH2 across the same face of the alkene giving syn stereochemistry.
Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution: Elimination–Addition

