Visible-Light-Induced Tandem Nickel-Catalyzed Heck Cyclization/Self-Promoted [2+2] Intermolecular Cycloaddition

Visible-light-induced transition metal (TM) catalysis has emerged as a new paradigm to discover unprecedented transformations. The reported nickel species as TM photocatalysts are mainly involved in the homolysis of Ni(II) complex or alkyl halide activation. Herein, we describe that the photoexcited nickel species could facilitate Heck cyclization by accelerating the anti-β-hydride elimination. Meanwhile, a tandem visible-light-induced substrate self-promoted intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition without the assistance of additional photocatalysts was discovered.