Visible‐Light‐Driven Synthesis of 6‐Aroyl Benzimidazo[1,2‐c]quinazolines from N‐Cyanobenzimidazoles and α‐Keto Acids by Radical Relay Cyclization

Abstract A diverse array of 6‐aroyl benzimidazo[1,2‐ c ]quinazolines was successfully synthesized using easily obtainable N ‐cyanobenzimidazoles and α‐keto acids, facilitated by photoredox catalysis. A mechanistic investigation revealed that this methodology might involve both photoredox and energy transfer catalytic cycles, generating acyl radicals that subsequently promote radical relay cyclization.