Catalytic Arylsulfonyl Radical Triggered 1,7-Enyne Bicyclizations

A new metal-free bicyclization reaction of 1,7-enynes anchored by α,β-conjugates with arylsulfonyl radicals generated in situ from sulfonyl hydrazides has been established using tert-butyl hydroperoxide and tetrabutylammonium iodide. The reactions occurred through sulfonylation/6-exo-dig/6-exo-trig bicyclization/in situ desulfonylation/5-exo-trig cyclization/alkyl or alkenyl migration cascade mechanism to give benzo[j]phenanthridines regioselectively.