Visible-Light-Promoted Radical Cascade Cyclization of 2-Vinyl Benzimidazoles: Access to Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2- b ]isoquinolin- 11(6 H )-ones.

A visible-light-enabled photoredox radical cascade cyclization of 2-vinyl benzimidazole derivatives is developed. This chemistry is applicable to a wide range of N -aroyl 2-vinyl benzimidazoles as acceptors, and halo compounds, including alkyl halides, acyl chlorides and sulfonyl chlorides, as radical precursors. The Langlois reagent also serves as an effective partner in this photocatalytic oxidative cascade process. This protocol provides a robust alternative for rendering highly functionalized benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2- b ]isoquinolin-11(6 H )-ones.