Synthesis of Functionalized Salicylate Esters and Amides by Photochemical Acylation

Functionalized salicylates in a flash: Photolysis of functionalized benzodioxinones in the presence of alcohols or amines is a powerful method for the synthesis of sterically hindered salicylic esters and amides (see scheme). This reaction tolerates a broad range of functional groups and efficiently engages a wide range of acylation substrates, including sterically hindered nucleophiles that are inert to other acylation methods.