Silver-catalyzed cyclization of alpha-imino-oxy acids to fused tetralone derivatives

A silver-catalyzed intramolecular radical relay cyclization of alpha-imino-oxy acids under mild conditions has been described. This reaction offers facile access to a diverse range of fused tetralone derivatives with exquisite stereoselectivity in moderate to good yields (40-98%). Experimental studies show that the reaction undergoes a decarboxylation and acetone fragmentation/1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)/cyclization process.