Photomediated synthesis of β-alkylketones from cycloalkanes

beta-Cycloalkyl ketones are prepared through a photomediated radical addition reaction onto enones starting from the corresponding alkanes (i.e., cyclopentane, -hexane, -heptane, -dodecane and adamantane). The alkyl radicals are generated via hydrogen abstraction by either an organic (benzophenone) or an inorganic (tetrabutyl ammonium decatungstate, TBADT) photomediator. Isolated yields vary in the range 30-80%. Benzophenone has to be considered as a reagent, since it is used in an equimolar amount with respect to enone and is completely consumed in the reaction. On the contrary, TBADT is shown to behave as a photocatalyst, which is active for at least 50 cycles. The potential of photomediated reactions for the generation of radicals from unusual precursors and the synthetic significance of this method are discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.