Visible‐Light‐Induced [2π+2σ] Cycloaddition Enabled by Cage‐Confined Photocatalysis for Precise Bicyclo[2.1.1]Hexane Construction

Y Yanke Hao (MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry GBRCE for Functional Molecular Engineering LIFM IGCME School of Chemistry Sun Yat‐Sen University Guangzhou 510275 China) J Jie Chen Z Zhiwei Jiao (GBRCE for Functional Molecular Engineering, MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, LIFM, IGCME, School of Chemistry) C Cheng‐Yong Su (GBRCE For Functional Molecular Engineering Lehn Institute of Functional Materials IGCME School of Chemistry Sun Yat‐Sen University Guangzhou P. R. China)

Abstract

Abstract We disclose a visible‐light‐induced, diastereoselective [2π+2σ] photocycloaddition between readily available chalcones and 1,3‐disubstituted bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes (BCBs) promoted by photoactive metal–organic cage (PMOC). This confined supramolecular catalysis method enables efficient synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant bicyclo[2.1.1]hexane (BCH) bioisosteres with remarkable atom economy and excellent diastereoselectivities, necessitating only 0.1 mol% catalyst loading. The success of this organic transformation arises from the synergistic action of the PMOC as a nanoreactor to combine selective substrate preorganization through host–guest interactions, efficient Ru(II)‐mediated triplet energy transfer, and nano‐spatial confinement effect that precisely control [2π+2σ] cyclization geometry while preventing competitive homodimerization.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 64, Issue 49
Published December 01, 2025
ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Wiley

ISSN: 1433-7851 Physical Sciences

Authors (4)

Y

Yanke Hao

MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry GBRCE for Functional Molecular Engineering LIFM IGCME School of Chemistry Sun Yat‐Sen University Guangzhou 510275 China

J

Jie Chen

Z

Zhiwei Jiao

GBRCE for Functional Molecular Engineering, MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, LIFM, IGCME, School of Chemistry

C

Cheng‐Yong Su

GBRCE For Functional Molecular Engineering Lehn Institute of Functional Materials IGCME School of Chemistry Sun Yat‐Sen University Guangzhou P. R. China