Synthesis of π-Extended Fluoranthenes via a KHMDS-Promoted Anionic-Radical Reaction Cascade.

An unprecedented KHMDS-promoted domino reaction to furnish hydroxyfluoranthenes is described. Biaryl compounds bearing acyl and naphthylalkenyl moieties are transformed into 9-hydroxydibenzo[j,l]fluoranthenes in a single step through the formation of an aromatic and a pentagonal ring system. A variety of fluoranthenes including those with extended π-conjugation, a heteroaromatic ring, and unsymmetrical substituents could be synthesized. Mechanistic studies reveal a unique reaction cascade where KHMDS acts as both a base and a single-electron donor.