Further insight into the photochemical behavior of 3-aryl-N-(arylsulfonyl)propiolamides: tunable synthetic route to phenanthrenes

Reported herein is further insight into the photochemical behaviour of 3-aryl-N-(arylsulfonyl)-propiolamides, which provides a straightforward way to access meaningful phenanthrenes. Mechanistic investigation indicated that aryl migration, C–C coupling, 1,3-hydrogen shift, desulfonylation and elimination were involved in the process. Moreover, this protocol allowed for scale-up using a flow reactor.