Synthesis of 2‐Quinolones based on Visible Light‐Catalyzed Annulation of Diazo compounds

Herein, we report a photocatalytic method for the synthesis of 2‐quinolones under mild conditions by employing α‐diazo acetamide as substrates. The use of Eosin Y as a photocatalyst allows an economical and environmentally benign synthetic method. The process involves the generation of radicals from diazo compounds promoted by a visible‐light‐induced proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism. The method demonstrates a broad substrate scope to provide various aryl‐ and alkyl‐substituted 2‐quinolones. To support the proposed mechanism, a series of mechanistic experiments were conducted.