Visible light-induced radical cascade acylmethylation/cyclization of 2-(allyloxy)arylaldehydes with α-bromo ketones: access to cyclic 1,5-dicarbonyl-containing chroman-4-one skeletons.

A novel photocatalytic protocol for effective and efficient synthesis of cyclic 1,5-diketones containing chroman-4-one skeletons in moderate to good yields via radical cascade acylmethylation/cyclization of 2-(allyloxy)arylaldehydes with α-bromo ketones has been described. This reaction features a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and metal- and oxidant-free conditions. An acylmethyl radical-triggered cascade cyclization was involved.