Regioselective synthesis of substituted 1-indanols, 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans and 2,3-dihydroindoles by electrochemical radical cyclization using an arene mediator

Electrochemical reduction of haloarenes carrying 2-(1-hydroxybut-3-enyl), 2-allyloxy or N-allyl-N-methylamino group in the presence of phenanthrene as a mediator generated the corresponding aryl radicals and gave the corresponding 5-exo cyclization products in good yields. Higher regio- and stereoselectivities than those of usual radical cyclization using AIBN-Bu3SnH were achieved.