Halogen Bonding Initiated Difunctionalization of [1.1.1]Propellane via Photoinduced Polarity Match Additions

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP), recognized as a bioisostere for para-disubstituted benzene, has gained widespread interest in drug development due to its ability to enhance the physicochemical properties of pharmaceuticals. In this work, we introduce a photoinduced, halogen bonding-initiated, metal-free strategy for synthesizing various BCP derivatives. This method involves the generation of nucleophilic α-aminoalkyl radicals via halogen-bonding adducts. These undergo selective radical addition to [1.1.1]propellane, yielding electrophilic BCP radicals that subsequently participate in polarity-matched additions, culminating in the difunctionalization of bicyclopentane. The versatility and practicality of this metal-free approach are underscored by its broad substrate scope, which includes late-stage functionalization and a series of valuable transformations, all conducted under mild reaction conditions.