N-Heterocyclic Carbene/Organic Photoredox-Cocatalyzed Three-Component Tetralin Synthesis

We have developed the N-heterocyclic carbene/organic photoredox-cocatalyzed three-component tetralin synthesis using acyl fluorides and styrenes. The cooperative action of organic photoredox and NHC catalysis enabled the construction of the tetralin scaffold and the acylation of the benzylic position, yielding highly substituted tetralins with complete regioselectivity. Radical cation species, generated by single-electron oxidation of an alkene, were the key reaction intermediates. They subsequently reacted with another alkene and a ketyl radical intermediate to accomplish this transformation.