Metal-Free Radical Annulation of Oxygen-Containing 1,7-Enynes: Configuration-Selective Synthesis of (E)-3-((Arylsulfonyl)methyl)-4-Substituted Arylidenechromene Derivatives.

A novel strategy for the synthesis of (E)-3-((arylsulfonyl)methyl)-4-substituted benzylidenechromene derivatives via a metal-free radical annulation reaction of oxygen-containing 1,7-enynes with thiosulfonates has been developed. The reaction shows broad substrate scope, wide functional group tolerance, and moderate to excellent yields. Moreover, thiosulfonates were well driven to achieve the bifunctionalization reaction of oxo-1,7-enynes which derived from aliphatic alkynes. In addition, the (E)-configuration of the products was highly controlled by the structure of 1,7-enyne.