Microwave-PromotedSynthesis of 1‑Tetralonesvia Iminyl Radical-Mediated 1,5-Hydrogen Atom Transfer

Microwave irradiation of <i>O</i>-phenyloximes produces 1-tetralones via N–O homolysis, 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), and cyclization of a radical intermediate onto an aromatic ring. The HAT step is facilitated by coordination of Lewis acid InCl₃·H₂O to an iminyl radical. The reaction is rapid and exhibits a broad substrate scope. A larger scale transformation can be performed using conventional heating instead of microwave irradiation.