Visible Light-Induced Pericyclic Cascade Reaction for the Synthesis of Quinolinone Derivatives with an Oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octene Skeleton

A photoinduced pericyclic cascade reaction has been developed to afford oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octenes. Mechanistic studies show that this reaction undergoes [2 + 2]-photocycloaddition, base-promoted elimination, retro-4p-electrocyclization, [1,5]-H shift, and 4p-electrocyclization procedures. This reaction features wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and excellent diastereoselectivity.