Free‐radical Initialized Cyclization of 2‐(3‐Arylpropioloyl)benzaldehydes with Toluene Derivatives: Access to Benzylated 1,4‐Naphthoquinones via Copper‐Catalyzed Cascade Reaction

Abstract A copper‐catalyzed cyclization reaction of 2‐(3‐arylpropioloyl)benzaldehydes was developed, leading to benzylated 1,4‐naphthoquinones via radical‐triggered cascade cyclization. This example of an acylbenzylation involving internal alkynes could be carried out with a broad substrate scope and wide functional group tolerance. magnified image