Synthesis of indenones via photo-induced radical cascade cyclization of alkynes with alkyl halides

A radical cascade cyclization of aryl ynones with alkyl halides was established to synthesise alkylated indenones in yields of 43 to 83% under metal- and oxidant-free and room temperature conditions. The approach enables the construction of two C-C bonds through a XAT process using nBu(3)N as XAT catalyst.