Synthesis of 2-Acyl-3,4-dihydronaphthalenes by Silver-Promoted Oxidative C–C σ-Bond Acylation/Arylation of Alkylidenecyclopropanes with α-Ketoacids

A novel and efficient AgNO3-facilitated oxidative C-C σ-bond difunctionalization of alkylidenecyclopropanes with α-ketoacids for preparing 2-acyl-substituted 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes is developed. This radical acylation/arylation transformation proceeds via decarboxylation of the α-ketoacid, acylation of the carbon-carbon double bond, cleavage of the carbon-carbon σ-bond, and cyclization with a connected aromatic ring and offers a mild and facile strategy for acylation/arylation of carbon-carbon σ-bonds with an acyl radical and an aromatic ring to build two new carbon-carbon bonds. This method uses an inexpensive oxidant, features a wide substrate scope, and is operationally simple.