Visible-Light-Induced Cyclization/Aromatization of 2-Vinyloxy Arylalkynes: Synthesis of Thio-Substituted Dibenzofuran Derivatives.

A visible-light-induced cascade reaction of 2-vinyloxy arylalkynes with thiosulfonates was developed and provided unexpected thio-substituted dibenzofuran derivatives in moderate yields. Mechanistic studies revealed the thiosulfonylation product of 2-vinyloxy arylalkyne was the key intermediate, and the additive disulfide played the role of hydrogen abstraction in the aromatization process to offer the desired product. This reaction presents a new reaction mode for the construction of polycyclic oxygen heterocycles.