Visible-Light-Mediated Cascade 1,4-Hydrogen Atom Transfer versus Dearomative Spirocyclization of N-Benzylacrylamides: Divergent Access to Functionalized γ-Ketoamides and 2-Azaspiro[4.5]decanes

Visible-light-driven metal- and photocatalyst-free cascade 1,4-HAT and dearomative spirocyclization of N-benzylacrylamides are described for sustainable synthesis of a variety of pharmaceutically important γ-ketoamides and 2-Azaspiro[4.5]decanes in one pot in good to excellent yields. Readily accessible and nontoxic materials, expensive Ir or Ru photocatalyst-free mild conditions, excellent functional group tolerance, operational simplicity, and scalability enhance the practical value of this protocol. Mechanistic studies reveal that acyl radicals generated from α-oxocarboxylic acids trigger the rare 1,4-HAT and dearomative spirocyclization. The synthetic potential of this environmentally benign method is further showcased by late-stage functionalization of drug molecules, amino acid, and peptides.