Visible-Light-Mediated Amination of π-Nucleophiles with N-Aminopyridinium Salts

Abstract

Under UV light irradiation N,N-(diphenylamino)pyridinium salts generate nitrenium ions.Herein, we report that in the presence of a photoredox catalyst nitrogen-centered radicals form which can then react with enol equivalents to give α-amino carbonyl compounds in excellent yields. The broad synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by functionalization of ketones, aldehydes, esters enol equivalents, vinyl ethers and 1,3-diketones without the need for prior conversion to enol derivatives. The developed method is easily scalable, offers broad substrate scope, high chemoselectivity, and mild conditions.