Electron-Transfer-Induced Intramolecular Heck Carbonylation Reactions Leading to Benzolactones and Benzolactams

Abstract A metal-catalyst-free intramolecular Heck carbonylation reaction of benzyl alcohols and benzyl amines with carbon monoxide under heating at 250 °C affords the corresponding benzolactones and benzolactams in good to excellent yields. A hybrid radical/ionic chain mechanism, involving electron transfer from radical anions generated by nucleophilic attack of alcohols or amines on intermediate acyl radicals, is proposed.