Improved Access to Succinimide-Fused Cyclobutenes

Succinimide-fused cyclobutenes are valuable building blocks for the synthesis of highly functionalized polycyclic structures. However, methods for constructing these structures-especially the N-aryl ones-remain limited. Herein, we provided an improved and rapid access to N-substituted succinimide-fused cyclobutenes by leveraging the copper-catalyzed Chan-Lam coupling. Desired products are afforded in 45-99% yields. Furthermore, this method features a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility.