A visible-light photocalytic method for the chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of imines in batch and continuous flow is described. The reaction utilizes EtN as both hydrogen source and single-electron donor, enabling the selective reduction of imines derived from diarylketimines containing other reducible functional groups including nitriles, halides, esters, and ketones. The dual role of EtN was confirmed by fluorescence quenching measurements, transient absorption spectroscopy, and deuterium-labeling studies. Continuous-flow processing facilitates straightforward scale-up of the reaction.

The chemoselective reduction of diaryl imines in the presence of competitively reducible groups is uniquely accessed through precise control of reaction and irradiation time by continuous flow visible light photoredox catalysis. The method enables the mild and efficient transfer hydrogenation of diaryl imines in the presence of sensitive functionality including halides, ester, ketone, and cyano groups. The flow protocol is efficient, rapid (>98% conversion within 9 min) and readily scaled to deliver multigram quantities of amine products in high purity.

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