Thermoneutral synthesis of spiro-1,4-cyclohexadienes by visible-light-driven dearomatization of benzylmalonates

Abstract

A visible-light-driven dearomatization of unactivated arenes with perfect atom economy to access spiro-1,4-cyclohexadienes is disclosed. Calculations suggest that the overall process is approximately thermoneutral, showcasing the special opportunities of light-driven processes to develop sustainable transformations that defy thermodynamic requirements.