Silver-catalyzed cascade cyclization and functionalization of N -aryl-4-pentenamides: an efficient route to γ-lactam-substituted quinone derivatives.

The synthesis of γ-lactam-substituted quinone derivatives through a Ag 2 O-catalyzed cascade cyclization and functionalization of N -aryl-4-pentenamides has been developed. Related 2-oxazolidinone substituted quinone products can be also obtained with N -aryl allyl carbamates. The reactions proceed through an amidyl radical-initiated 5- exo -trig cyclization and followed radical addition to quinones. They provide an efficient route to various γ-lactam-substituted quinone derivatives with a wide range of substrate scope.