Visible-Light-Induced Decarboxylative Cyclization/Hydrogenation Cascade Reaction to Access Phenanthridin-6-yl(aryl)methanol by an Electron Donor–Acceptor Complex

A novel
and efficient visible-light-induced decarboxylative cyclization/hydrogenation
cascade reaction of α-oxocarboxylic acids and 2-isocyanobiaryls
has been developed. Without the need of any external photosensitizer,
oxidant, and reductant, this method offers a mild and green approach
for the synthesis of diverse alcohols in moderate to good yields.
A mechanism indicated that an electron donor–acceptor complex-driven
decarboxylation, radical addition/cyclization, and in situ photochemical reduction of ketones to alcohols could be involved
in the reaction.