Visible-light-mediated utilization of α-aminoalkyl radicals: addition to electron-deficient alkenes using photoredox catalysts

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Feb 22;134(7):3338-41. doi: 10.1021/ja211770y. Epub 2012 Feb 8.

Abstract

Synthetic use of α-aminoalkyl radicals formed by single electron oxidation of amines is quite limited. Here we demonstrate addition of α-aminoalkyl radicals to electron-deficient alkenes by visible-light-mediated electron transfer using transition metal polypyridyl complexes as photocatalysts, via a sequential redox pathway.