Synthesis of spiropyrans and arylquinones via Ru(II)-catalyzed condition-controlled coupling of 3-aryl-2 H -benzoxazinones with benzoquinones.

Ru(II)-catalyzed condition-controlled divergent coupling between 3-aryl-2 H -benzoxazin-2-ones and benzoquinones has been realized under operationally simple conditions, affording a series of structurally stable spiropyrans and valuable arylquinones. The potential of this method is also demonstrated by scale-up synthesis and derivatization. Additionally, an unprecedented cycloruthenated complex has been identified as a key intermediate.