Visible light-induced pericyclic cascade reaction for the synthesis of eight-membered rings

• A visible light-induced pericyclic cascade reaction for constructing eight-member rings has been developed. • The cascade reaction holds promise for applications in synthesizing new avenues for the synthesis of a wide variety of cyclic compounds. A visible light-induced pericyclic cascade reaction for the synthesis of eight-membered rings is described. The reaction proceeds via [2 + 2]-photocycloaddition, base-promoted elimination, and retro-4π-electrocyclization. It exhibits broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance.