Toward a visible light mediated photocyclization: Cu-based sensitizers for the synthesis of [5]helicene

A photochemical synthesis of [5]helicene employing a copper-based sensitizer 7 has been developed that avoids the disadvantages associated with the traditional UV light mediated method. The visible light mediated synthesis uses common glassware and a simple household light bulb without the competing formation of [2 + 2] cycloadducts, regioisomers, or the overoxidation product benzo[ghi]perylene 3. Preliminary results show that the reaction time can be significantly reduced through the use of a continuous flow strategy.