Sequential Intermolecular Radical Addition and Reductive Radical Cyclization of Tyrosine and Phenylalanine Derivatives with Alkenes via Photoinduced Decarboxylation: Access to Ring-Constrained γ-Amino Acids.

Sequential radical addition to alkenes and reductive radical cyclization of phenylalanine and tyrosine derivatives via photoinduced decarboxylation furnished ring-constrained γ-amino acids under mild conditions. A variety of alkenes such as acrylamides and acrylic esters could be employed in the photoinduced radical cascade cyclization. The yields of the ring-constrained γ-amino acids are dependent on the electron-accepting ability and steric hindrance of the alkene used. The proposed sequential reaction can also be applied for direct tethering of dipeptides to yield unique ring-constrained tetrapeptides.