This
paper describes a joint experiment–theory investigation
of the formation and cyclization of 2′-alkynylacetophenone
oxime radical cations using photoinduced electron transfer (PET) with
DCA as the photosensitizer. Using a combination of experimental 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra,
high-resolution mass spectrometry, and calculated NMR chemical shifts,
we identified the products to be isoindole N-oxides.
The reaction was found to be stereoselective; only one of the two
possible stereoisomers is formed under these conditions. A detailed
computational investigation of the cyclization reaction mechanism
suggests facile C–N bond formation in the radical cation leading
to a 5-exo intermediate. Back-electron transfer from the DCA radical
anion followed by barrierless intramolecular proton transfer leads
to the final product. We argue that the final proton transfer step
in the mechanism is responsible for the stereoselectivity observed
in experiment. As a whole, this work provides new insights into the
formation of complex heterocycles through oxime and oxime ether radical
cation intermediates produced via PET. Moreover, it represents the
first reported formation of isoindole N-oxides.
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