Radical-induced denitration of N -( p -nitrophenyl)propiolamides coupled with dearomatization: access to phosphonylated/trifluoromethylated azaspiro[4.5]-trienones.

A robust dearomative denitration of nitroarene derivatives induced by a radical ipso -cyclization process has been developed, delivering valuable phosphonated or trifluoromethylated azaspiro[4.5]trienones with good functional group tolerance. This represents a convenient and powerful approach to activate nitroarenes in a radical manner.