Microwave-promoted radical addition/cyclization of biaryl vinyl ketones with diacyl peroxides in water under metal-free conditions.

This communication reports an efficient microwave-promoted radical addition/cyclization reaction of biaryl vinyl ketones with diacyl peroxides in water under metal-free conditions. A series of 10-methyl-10-benzyl(alkyl)phenanthren-9(10 H )-ones were obtained in high yields with good functional group tolerance.