Phenanthrenequinone-Sensitized Photocatalytic Synthesis of Polysubstituted Quinolines from 2-Vinylarylimines

Visible-light-excited 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ*) was used as a photocatalyst for the synthesis of polysubstituted quinolines via the electrocyclization of 2-vinylarylimines. Up to quantitative yields of 2,4-disubstituted quinolines were received after 1 h of excitation with blue LEDs at room temperature when MgCO₃ was used as an additive in DCM. On the basis of experimental and DFT studies, we propose that PQ* induces one-electron oxidation of the imine substrate that triggers the electrocyclization mechanism.