Synthesis of Succinimides via Intramolecular Alder-Ene Reaction of 1,6-Enynes.

A novel and convenient method has been developed for the facile synthesis of functionalized succinimide derivatives via intramolecular Alder-ene reaction of 1,6-enynes. This reaction features mild and metal-free reaction conditions, which offers a green and efficient entry to synthetically important succinimide scaffolds. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that a diradical intermediate might be involved in this transformation.