Strategies to Generate Nitrogen-centered Radicals That May Rely on Photoredox Catalysis: Development in Reaction Methodology and Applications in Organic Synthesis

Deciphering the Superior Electronic Transmission Induced by the Li-N Ligand Pairs Boosted Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Atomic level decoration route is designated as one of the attractive methods to regulate both the charge density and band structure of photocatalysts. Moreover, to enable more efficient separation and transport of photocarriers, the construction of novel active sites can enhance both the reactivity and electrical conductivity of the crystal. Herein, an Li-N ligand is constructed via co-doping lithium and nitrogen atoms into ZnIn₂ S₄ lattice, which achieves a promoted photocatalytic H₂ evolution at 9737 µmol g^-1 h^-1 . The existence of Li-N ligand pairs and the behaviors of photocarriers on L₄₀ N₅ ZIS are determined systematically, which also provides a unique insight into the mechanism of the improved photocarrier migration rate. With the introduction of Li-N dual sites, the vacancy form of ZnIn₂ S₄ has changed and the photocatalytic stability is significantly improved. Interestingly, the change of charge density around Li-N ligand in ZnIn₂ S₄ is determined by theoretical simulations, as well as the regulated energy barrier of photocatalytic water splitting caused by Li-N dual sites, which act as both adsorption site for H₂ O and stronger reactive sites. This work helps to extend the understanding of ZnIn₂ S₄ and offers a fresh perspective for the creation of a Li-N co-doped photocatalyst.

Photocatalytic 1,2-Iminosulfonylation and Remote 1,6-Iminosulfonylation of Olefins

A new class of iminosulfonylation reagents were developed and extensively used in the 1,2-iminosulfonylation of various olefins. Olefins containing bioactive molecules, such as indomethacin, gemfibrozil, clofibrate, and fenbufen, afforded the desired iminosulfonylation products in synthetically useful yields. Furthermore, the first remote 1,6-iminosulfonylation of alkenes was realized by using oxime ester bifunctionalization reagents. Overall, more than 40 structurally diverse β-imine sulfones were obtained in moderate to excellent yields.

Silver-catalyzed cyclization of α-imino-oxy acids to fused tetralone derivatives

A silver-catalyzed intramolecular radical relay cyclization of α-imino-oxy acids under mild conditions has been described. This reaction offers facile access to a diverse range of fused tetralone derivatives with exquisite stereoselectivity in moderate to good yields (40-98%). Experimental studies show that the reaction undergoes a decarboxylation and acetone fragmentation/1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)/cyclization process.

Photoinduced Remote C(sp3)-H Imination Enabled by Vinyl Radical-Mediated 1,5-Hydrogen Atom Transfer

A vinyl radical-mediated 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer strategy for remote C(sp³)-H imination under visible-light-induced photochemical metal-free conditions afforded diverse γ-imino alkenes with excellent stereoselectivity. Oxime ester-based bifunctional reagents provided not only nucleophilic alkyl radicals for radical addition reactions with electron-deficient alkynes but also long-lived steady-state imine radicals for trapping alkyl radicals following the intramolecular 1,5-hydrogen migration of unstable olefin radicals.

Photoinduced Disulfide-Catalyzed Intramolecular Anti-Markovnikov Hydroamination through in Situ N-S Species

The photoinduced anti-Markovnikov hydroamination of olefins typically required photocatalysts with a high oxidative ability to initiate the single-electron process. Herein, we alternatively utilize bis(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl) disulfide, an inexpensive reagent with relatively low oxidative ability, as a photo and hydrogen atom transfer catalyst to achieve intramolecular hydroamination. The mechanistic studies as well as the DFT calculations are consistent with a novel process involving N-centered radical generation through the homolysis of the in situ formed N-S species and subsequent cyclization. An array of diverse nitrogen-containing cycles could be obtained.

Photoredox-Enabled Dearomatization of Protected Anilines: Access to Cyclohexadienone Imines with Contiguous Quaternary Centers

A photoredox-enabled alkylative dearomatization of protected anilines is reported. Under Ir catalysis and light irradiation, an N-carbamoyl-protected aniline and an α-bromocarbonyl compound could be simultaneously activated, and the two resulting radical species then recombine with each other to afford a dearomatized cyclohexadienone imine as the major product. A series of such imines with contiguous quaternary carbon centers were prepared, which can be further converted into cyclohexadienones, cyclohexadienols, and cyclohexyl amines.

Directed Photochemically Mediated Nickel-Catalyzed (Hetero)arylation of Aliphatic C-H Bonds

Site-selective functionalization of unactivated C(sp3)-H centers is challenging because of the ubiquity and strength of alkyl C-H bonds. Herein, we disclose a position-selective C(sp3)-C(sp2) cross-coupling reaction. This process engages C(sp3)-H bonds and aryl bromides, utilizing catalytic quantities of a photoredox-capable molecule and a nickel precatalyst. Using this technology, selective C-H functionalization arises owing to a 1,6-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process that is guided by a pendant alcohol-anchored sulfamate ester. These transformations proceed directly from N-H bonds, in contrast to previous directed, radical-mediated, C-H arylation processes, which have relied on prior oxidation of the reactive nitrogen center in reactions with nucleophilic arenes. Moreover, these conditions promote arylation at secondary centers in good yields with excellent selectivity.

Iminoacylation of Alkenes via Photoredox N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis

The iminoacylation of alkenes via photoredox N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis is developed with the employment of alkene-tethered α-imino-oxy acids and acyl imidazoles. The corresponding substituted 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrroles were afforded in moderate to good yields with good to high diastereoselectivities in most cases. The reaction involves the 5-exo-trig radical cyclization of an alkene-tethered iminyl radical and the following coupling with a ketyl radical from acyl imidazole under NHC catalysis.

Using enzymes to tame nitrogen-centred radicals for enantioselective hydroamination

The formation of C-N bonds-of great importance to the pharmaceutical industry-can be facilitated enzymatically using nucleophilic and nitrene transfer mechanisms. However, neither natural nor engineered enzymes are known to generate and control nitrogen-centred radicals, which serve as valuable species for C-N bond formation. Here we use flavin-dependent 'ene'-reductases with an exogenous photoredox catalyst to selectively generate amidyl radicals within the protein active site. These enzymes are engineered through directed evolution to catalyse 5-exo, 6-endo, 7-endo, 8-endo, and intermolecular hydroamination reactions with high levels of enantioselectivity. Mechanistic studies suggest that radical initiation occurs via an enzyme-gated mechanism, where the protein thermodynamically activates the substrate for reduction by the photocatalyst. Molecular dynamics studies indicate that the enzymes bind substrates using non-canonical binding interactions, which may serve as a handle to further manipulate reactivity. This approach demonstrates the versatility of these enzymes for controlling the reactivity of high-energy radical intermediates and highlights the opportunity for synergistic catalyst strategies to unlock previously inaccessible enzymatic functions.

Supramolecular Coordination Cages for Artificial Photosynthesis and Synthetic Photocatalysis

Because sunlight is the most abundant energy source on earth, it has huge potential for practical applications ranging from sustainable energy supply to light driven chemistry. From a chemical perspective, excited states generated by light make thermodynamically uphill reactions possible, which forms the basis for energy storage into fuels. In addition, with light, open-shell species can be generated which open up new reaction pathways in organic synthesis. Crucial are photosensitizers, which absorb light and transfer energy to substrates by various mechanisms, processes that highly depend on the distance between the molecules involved. Supramolecular coordination cages are well studied and synthetically accessible reaction vessels with single cavities for guest binding, ensuring close proximity of different components. Due to high modularity of their size, shape, and the nature of metal centers and ligands, cages are ideal platforms to exploit preorganization in photocatalysis. Herein we focus on the application of supramolecular cages for photocatalysis in artificial photosynthesis and in organic photo(redox) catalysis. Finally, a brief overview of immobilization strategies for supramolecular cages provides tools for implementing cages into devices. This review provides inspiration for future design of photocatalytic supramolecular host-guest systems and their application in producing solar fuels and complex organic molecules.

Substituent-Dependent Azide Addition to Isocyanides Generates Strongly Luminescent Iridium Complexes

Ligand-centered functionalization reactions offer diverse strategies to prepare luminescent organometallic compounds. These compounds can have unique structures that are not accessible via traditional coordination chemistry and can possess enhanced or unusual photophysical properties. Here we show that bis-cyclometalated iridium bis-isocyanide complexes (1) react with azide (N₃^-) to form novel luminescent structures. The fate of the reaction with azide is determined primarily by the substituent on the aryl isocyanide. Those with electron-withdrawing substituents (CF₃ or NO₂) react with 1 equiv of azide followed by N₂ extrusion, forming aryl cyanamido products (2). With electron-donating groups on the aryl isocyanide the reactivity is more diverse, and three outcomes are possible. In two cases, the isocyanide and azide undergo a [3 + 2] cycloaddition to form a C-bound tetrazolato structure (3). In three other cases, 2 equiv of azide are involved in the formation of a previously unobserved structure, where a tetrazolato and aryl cyanamido couple and rearrange to form a chelating ligand comprised of an N-bound tetrazolato and an acyclic diaminocarbene (4). Finally, a bimetallic aryl cyanamido complex (5) is isolated in one case. All compounds are luminescent, some with exceptional photoluminescence quantum yields as high as 0.81 in solution for sky-blue emission, and 0.87 for yellow emission and 0.65 for orange-red emission in polymer films.

Merging Photocatalytic C-O Cross-Coupling for α-Oxycarbonyl-β-ketones: Esterification of Carboxylic Acids via a Decarboxylative Pathway

Herein, the first merged photocatalytic pathway for the C-O cross-coupled esterification of carboxylic acids to α-oxycarbonyl-β-ketones has been demonstrated. Decarboxylation of α,β-unsaturated acids promotes the formation of the β-ketone fragment of the desired product. Water as the source of oxygen for the ketone segment and aerial oxygen as an oxidant make the present synthetic methodology green and sustainable. This new C═O and C-O bond-forming methodology takes place in a cascade manner under a dual Ir/Pd-catalytic pathway, with the liberation of H₂O and CO₂ as the only byproducts.

Selective Reductive Coupling of Vinyl Azaarenes and Alkynes via Photoredox Cobalt Dual Catalysis

A visible light-induced Co-catalyzed highly regio- and stereoselective reductive coupling of vinyl azaarenes and alkynes has been developed. Notably, Hünig's base together with simple ethanol has been successfully applied as the hydrogen sources instead of commonly used Hantzsch esters in this catalytic photoredox reaction. This approach has considerable advantages for the straightforward synthesis of stereodefined multiple substituted alkenes bearing an azaarene motif, such as excellent regioselectivity (>20 : 1 for >30 examples) and stereoselectivity (>20 : 1 E/Z), broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility under mild reaction conditions, which has been utilized in the concise synthesis of natural product monomorine I. A reasonable catalytic reaction pathway involving protolysis of the cobaltacyclopentene intermediate has been proposed based on the mechanistic studies.

Visible light-mediated NHC and photoredox co-catalyzed 1,2-sulfonylacylation of allenes via acyl and allyl radical cross-coupling

Visible light-mediated NHC and photoredox co-catalyzed radical 1,2-sulfonylacylation of allenes via cross-coupling between an allyl radical and an NHC-stabilized acyl radical.

Multimodal Reactivity of N-H Bonds in Triazanes and Isolation of a Triazinyl Radical

The employment of nitrogen Lewis acids based on nitrenium cations has been increasingly featured in the fields of main group chemistry and catalysis. A formally reduced form of nitrenium D─cyclic triazanes E─are intriguing chemical compounds, the chemistry of which is completely unexplored. In this work, we reveal that N-H-triazanes exhibit unusual N-H bond properties; namely, they can serve as protons, hydrides, or hydrogen atom donors. This unique multimodal reactivity provides an N-cation, N-anion, or N-radical from the same species. It allowed us to isolate, for the first time, a stable naphto[1,2,3]triazinyl radical, which was fully characterized both computationally and experimentally, including its monomeric X-ray structure. Moreover, this radical can be prepared directly from the nitrenium cation by a single electron reduction (E = -0.46 V), and this process is reversible. We envision versatile uses of this radical in synthetic and materials chemistry.

Microwave- and Thermally Promoted Iminyl Radical Cyclizations: A Versatile Method for the Synthesis of Functionalized Pyrrolines

A detailed study of iminyl radical cyclizations of O-aryloximes tethered to alkenes is reported. The reactions can be triggered by either microwave irradiation or conventional heating in an oil bath. A variety of radical traps can be employed, enabling C-C, C-N, C-O, C-S, or C-X bond formation and producing a diverse array of functionalized pyrrolines. Substrates containing an allylic sulfide furnish terminal alkenes by a tandem cyclization-thiyl radical β-elimination pathway. Cyclizations of hydroxylated substrates exhibit moderate diastereoselectivity that in some cases can partially be attributed to intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Computational studies suggested a possible role for thermodynamics in controlling the stereochemistry of cyclizations. The reaction temperature can be lowered from 120 to 100 °C by employing O-(p-tert-butylphenyl)oximes instead of O-phenyloximes as substrates, and these second-generation iminyl radical precursors can be used in a one-pot oxime ether formation-cyclization that is promoted by conventional heating. The functionalized pyrrolines obtained from these reactions can be conveniently transformed in several different ways.

Diastereoselective Radical Aminoacylation of Olefins through N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis

There have been significant advancements in radical-mediated reactions through covalent-based organocatalysis. Here, we present the generation of iminyl and amidyl radicals via N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis, enabling diastereoselective aminoacylation of trisubstituted alkenes. Different from photoredox catalysis, single electron transfer from the deprotonated Breslow intermediate to O-aryl hydroxylamine generates an NHC-bound ketyl radical, which undergoes diastereocontrolled cross-coupling with the prochiral C-centered radical. This operationally simple method provides a straightforward access to a variety of pyrroline and oxazolidinone heterocycles with vicinal stereocenters (77 examples, up to >19:1 d.r.). Electrochemical studies of the acyl thiazolium salts support our reaction design and highlight the reducing ability of Breslow-type derivatives. A detailed computational analysis of this organocatalytic system suggests that radical-radical coupling is the rate-determining step, in which π-π stacking interaction between the radical intermediates subtly controls the diastereoselectivity.

Excited-State Copper-Catalyzed [4 + 1] Annulation Reaction Enables Modular Synthesis of α,β-Unsaturated-γ-Lactams

Synthesis of α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactams continue to attract attention due to the importance of this structural motif in organic chemistry. Herein, we report the development of a visible-light-induced excited-state copper-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation reaction for the preparation of a wide range of γ-H, -OH, and -OR-substituted α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactams using acrylamides as the 4-atom unit and aroyl chlorides as the 1-atom unit. This modular synthetic protocol features mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and high functional group tolerance. The reaction is amenable to late-stage diversification of complex molecular architectures, including derivatives of marketed drugs. The products of the reaction can serve as versatile building blocks for further derivatization. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest an inner-sphere catalytic cycle involving photoexcitation of the Cu(BINAP) catalyst, single-electron transfer, and capture of radical intermediates by copper species, followed by reductive elimination or protonation to give the desired γ-functionalized α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactams.

Divergent regioselective Heck-type reaction of unactivated alkenes and N-fluoro-sulfonamides

The control of regioselectivity in Heck-type reaction of unactivated alkenes represents a longstanding challenge due to several detachable hydrogens in β–H elimination step, which generally afford either one specific regioisomer or a mixture. Herein, a copper-catalyzed intermolecular Heck-type reaction of unactivated alkenes and N-fluoro-sulfonamides with divergent regioselectivities is reported. The complete switch of regioselectivity mainly depends on the choice of different additives. Employment of alcohol solvent gives access to vinyl products, while the addition of carboxylate leads to the formation of allylic products. In addition, exclusion of these two promoting factors results in β-lactams via a C–N reductive elimination. This protocol shows a broad substrate scope for both alkenes and structurally diverse N-fluoro-sulfonamides, producing the corresponding products with excellent regio- and stereoselectivities. Further control experiments and DFT calculations provide in-depth insights into the reaction mechanism, highlighting the distinct effect of the additives on a bidentate auxiliary-stabilized Cu(III) intermediate.

The control of regioselectivity in Heck-type reactions of unactivated alkenes is challenging. Here, the authors realize regiodivergent Heck-type reactions of unactivated alkenes and N-fluoro-sulfonamides.

The emerging role of radical chemistry in the amination transformation of highly strained [1.1.1]propellane: Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentylamine as bioisosteres of anilines

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentylamines (BPCAs), emerging as sp³-rich surrogates for aniline and its derivatives, demonstrate unique structural features and physicochemical profiles in medicinal and synthetic chemistry. In recent years, compared with conventional synthetic approaches, the rapid development of radical chemistry enables the assembly of valuable bicyclo[1.1.1]pentylamines scaffold directly through the amination transformation of highly strained [1.1.1]propellane. In this review, we concisely summarize the emerging role of radical chemistry in the construction of BCPAs motif, highlighting two different and powerful radical-involved strategies including C-centered and N-centered radical pathways under appropriate conditions. The future direction concerning BCPAs is also discussed at the end of this review, which aims to provide some inspiration for the research of this promising project.

Photocatalytic Modular Cyanoalkylamination of Alkenes Involving Two Different Iminyl Radicals

The modular cyanoalkylamination of alkenes using bench-stable and easy-to-handle α-imino-oxy acid oxime esters as difunctional reagents creates new synthetic avenues. A metal-free photosensitization protocol for the installation of both amino and cyanoalkyl functionalities onto alkene feedstocks in a single step via two differently reactive nitrogen-centered radicals was developed via energy-transfer catalysis. Excellent functional group tolerance and mild reaction conditions also render this protocol suitable for the cyanoalkylamination of pharmaceutically relevant molecule-derived alkenes.

Multicomponent Direct Assembly of N-Heterospirocycles Facilitated by Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalysis

N-heterospirocycles are interesting structural units found in both natural products and medicinal compounds but have relatively few reliable methods for their synthesis. Here, we enlist the photocatalytic generation of N-centered radicals to construct β-spirocyclic pyrrolidines from N-allylsulfonamides and alkenes. A variety of β-spirocyclic pyrrolidines have been constructed, including drug derivatives, in moderate to very good yields. Further derivatization of the products has also been demonstrated as has a viable scale-up procedure, making use of flow chemistry techniques.

N-O Bond Activation by Energy Transfer Photocatalysis

A radical shift toward energy transfer photocatalysis from electron transfer photocatalysis under visible-light photoirradiation is often due to the greener prospects of atom and process economy. Recent advances in energy transfer photocatalysis embrace unique strategies for direct small-molecule activation and sometimes extraordinary chemical bond formation in the absence of additional/sacrificial reagents. Selective energy transfer photocatalysis requires careful selection of substrates and photocatalysts for a perfect match with respect to their triplet energies while having incompatible redox potentials to prevent competitive electron transfer pathways. Substrates containing labile N-O bonds are potential targets for generating reactive key intermediates via photocatalysis to access a variety of functionalized molecules. Typically, the differential electron densities of N and O heteroatoms have been exploited for generation of either N- or O-centered radical intermediates from the functionalized substrates by the electron transfer pathway. However, the latest developments involve direct N-O bond homolysis via energy transfer to generate both N- and O-centered radicals for their subsequent utilization in diverse organic transformations, also in the absence of sacrificial redox reagents. In this Account, we highlight our key contributions in the field of N-O bond activation via energy transfer photocatalysis to generate reactive radical intermediates, with coverage of useful mechanistic insights. More specifically, well-designed N-O bond-containing substrates such as 1,2,4-oxadiazolines, oxime esters, N-indolyl carbonates, and N-enoxybenzotriazoles were successfully utilized in versatile transformations involving selective energy transfer over electron transfer from photocatalysts with high triplet state energy. Direct access to reactive N-, O-, and C-centered (if decarboxylation follows) radical intermediates was achieved for diverse cross-couplings and rearrangement processes. In particular, a variety of open-shell nitrogen reactive intermediates, including N(sp²) and N(sp³) radicals and nitrenes, have been utilized. Notably, diversified transformations of identical substrates have been achieved through careful control of the reaction conditions. 1,2,4-Oxadiazolines were converted into spiro-azolactams through iminyl intermediates in the presence of ¹O₂, benzimidazoles, or sulfoximines with external sulfoxide reagent through triplet nitrene intermediates under inert conditions. Besides, oxime esters underwent either intramolecular C(sp³)-N radical-radical coupling or intermolecular C(sp³)-N radical-radical coupling by a combined energy transfer-hydrogen atom transfer strategy. Furthermore, a series of electrochemical and photophysical experiments as well as computational studies were performed to substantiate the proposed selective energy-transfer-driven reaction pathways. We hope that this Account will serve as a guide for the rational design of selective energy transfer processes through the activation of further labile chemical bonds.

Electrochemical Dearomative Spirocyclization of N-Acyl Thiophene-2-sulfonamides

The Friedel-Crafts type alkylation of C2-tethered thiophenes has been reported to be nonregioselective. Taking advantage of the highly regioselective 5-exo-trig spirocyclization of an electrochemically generated amidyl radical, we have unraveled an electrochemical dearomative spirocyclization of N-acyl thiophene-2-sulfonamides. Various nucleophilic agents, including carboxylates, alcohols, and fluoride, are readily incorporated to afford the remotely functionalized spirocyclic dihydrothiophenes, and their novel spirocyclic scaffolds have been shown to exhibit promising antitumor activities.

Hydroamination of Unactivated Alkenes with Aliphatic Azides

We report here an efficient and highly diastereoselective intermolecular anti-Markovnikov hydroamination of unactivated alkenes with aliphatic azides in the presence of silane. The system tolerates a wide range of azides and alkenes and operates with alkene as limiting reagent. Mechanistic studies suggest a radical chain pathway that involves aminium radical formation, radical addition to alkenes and HAT from silane to β-aminium alkyl radical. The use of sterically bulky silane is proposed to contribute to the excellent diastereoselectivity for HAT. Computational analysis uncovers the reaction pathway of aliphatic azide activation with silyl radical for aminyl radical formation.

Hypervalent Iodine Reagents Enable C(sp2)-H Amidation of (Hetero)arenes with Iminophenylacetic Acids

Sulfonamide-containing (hetero)arenes are widely present in bioactive molecules. Here, we report the sulfonamidyl (hetero)arenes synthesis by the C(sp²)-H amidation from bench-stable amidyl-iminophenylacetic acids. The hypervalent iodine reagents covalently activated iminophenylacetic acids for the facile sulfonamidyl radical generation under mild photocatalytic oxidative conditions. Diversified indoles, pyrroles, imidazopyridines, and fused arenes underwent the C(sp²)-H amidation with excellent chemoselectivity and regioselectivity. This reaction performs well under neutral aqueous conditions with potential biological applications.

Synthesis of gem-Disulfonyl Enamines via an Iminyl-Radical-Mediated Formal 1,3-HAT/Radical Coupling Cascade

We herein report the first example of an iminyl-radical-mediated formal 1,3-HAT/radical coupling cascade of vinyl azides leading to the synthesis of tetrasubstituted gem-disulfonyl enamines. It is possible to employ a variety of vinyl azides and sulfinate salt coupling elements without sacrificing effectiveness and scalability. The combination of experimental studies and DFT calculations showed that this reaction proceeds via a radical addition/formal 1,3-HAT/radical coupling mechanism.

Photoredox Catalytic Phosphine-Mediated Deoxygenation of Hydroxylamines Enables the Construction of N-Acyliminophosphoranes

The chemistry of phosphoranyl radicals has received increasing attention in recent years. Here, we report the generation of amidyl radicals through photocatalytic deoxygenation of hydroxylamines with triphenylphosphine. This methodology offers a novel and convenient route to a diverse range of N-acyliminophosphoranes in moderate to good yields under visible-light photoredox conditions. Fluorescence quenching experiments suggest that the excited-state of the organic photocatalyst (4CzIPN) was oxidatively quenched by a Cu(II) salt.

Dicarbofunctionalizations of an Unactivated Alkene via Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalysis

1,2-Dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated olefin has been reported under photoredox/nickel dual catalysis. The mildness of the visible-light-mediated reaction allows the use of various alkyl and aryl electrophiles with several sensitive functional groups. The protocol was equally applied for late-stage diversification of drugs and biologically active molecules. Investigations elucidated the importance of photoredox/nickel dual catalysis and α-amino-radical-mediated halogen atom transfer and provided us with the nickel complexes involved in the reaction.

Visible-Light-Promoted Photoaddition of N-Nitrosopiperidines to Alkynes: Continuous Flow Chemistry Approach to Tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine 1-Oxides

The photoaddition of N-nitrosopiperidines to terminal alkynes was effected under visible-light irradiation, in which a novel synthetic access to tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine 1-oxides was achieved via the dehydrogenative cycloisomerization of β-nitroso enamine intermediates. The decomposition pathways of N-nitrosamines, alkynes, and β-nitroso enamine intermediates were better handled in a continuous flow setting through the diffusion control of chemical species that negatively affected the formation of tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine 1-oxides under batch reaction conditions.

Photocatalytic Hydroalkylation of Aryl-Alkenes

Here, we present a visible light-catalyzed hydroalkylation of aryl-alkenes affording C–C bonds using aryl-alkenes and alkyl iodides. We demonstrate the formation of various hydroalkylation products in excellent yields, with primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl iodides being tolerated in the reaction. Mechanistic experiments reveal a pathway consisting of halogen atom transfer followed by a radical-polar crossover mechanism delivering the desired hydroalkylation products.

Bifunctional sulfilimines enable synthesis of multiple N-heterocycles from alkenes

Intramolecular cyclization of nitrogen-containing molecules onto pendant alkenes is an efficient strategy for the construction of N-heterocycles, which are of paramount importance in, for example, pharmaceuticals and materials. Similar intermolecular cyclization reactions, however, are scarcer for nitrogen building blocks, including N-centred radicals, and divergent and modular versions are not established. Here we report the use of sulfilimines as bifunctional N-radical precursors for cyclization reactions with alkenes to produce N-unprotected heterocycles in a single step through photoredox catalysis. Structurally diverse sulfilimines can be synthesized in a single step, and subsequently engage with alkenes to afford synthetically valuable five-, six- and seven-membered heterocycles. The broad and diverse scope is achievable by a radical-polar crossover annulation enabled by the bifunctional character of the reagents, which distinguishes itself from all other N-centred-radical-based reactions. The modular synthesis of the sulfilimines allows for larger structural diversity of N-heterocycle products than is currently achievable with other single cyclization methods.

Intermolecular cyclization reactions using nitrogen-containing building blocks are scarce. Now, bifunctional sulfilimines have been shown to enable the modular construction of a diverse range of N-heterocycles by reacting with alkenes in a single photocatalysed step. Both sulfilimines and alkenes are easily accessible, providing access to a wide range of N-heterocycles with different ring types, ring sizes and substituents on the skeleton.

Recent advances in visible light-induced C(sp3)–N bond formation

Synthetic chemists have long focused on selective C(sp ³)-N bond-forming approaches in response to the high value of this motif in natural products, pharmaceutical agents and functional materials. In recent years, visible light-induced protocols have become an important synthetic platform to promote this transformation under mild reaction conditions. These photo-driven methods rely on converting visible light into chemical energy to generate reactive but controllable radical species. This Review highlights recent advances in this area, mostly after 2014, with an emphasis placed on C(sp ³)-H bond activations, including amination of olefins and carbonyl compounds, and cross-coupling reactions.

Photoredox/Iron Dual-Catalyzed Insertion of Acyl Nitrenes into C-H Bonds

In this work, the use of N-acyloxybenzamides as efficient acyl nitrene precursors under photoredox/iron dual catalysis is reported. The resulting acyl nitrenes could be captured by various types of C-H bonds and S- or P-containing molecules. Mechanism investigations suggested that the formation of the acyl nitrene from the N-acyloxybenzamide occurs by a photoredox process, and it is believed that in this redox process oxidative N-H bond cleavage of the N-acyloxybenzamide occurs prior to reductive N-O bond cleavage of the N-acyloxybenzamide.

Low‐Temperature Isolation of a Labile Silylated Hydrazinium‐yl Radical Cation, [(Me 3 Si) 2 N−N(H)SiMe 3 ] .+

The oxidation of silylated hydrazine, (Me₃Si)₂N−N(H)SiMe₃, with silver salts led to the formation of a highly labile hydrazinium‐yl radical cation, [(Me₃Si)₂N−N(H)SiMe₃]^.+, at very low temperatures (decomposition > −40 °C). EPR, NMR, DFT and Raman studies revealed the formation of a nitrogen‐centered radical cation along the N−N unit of the hydrazine. In the presence of the weakly coordinating anion [Al{OCH(CF₃)₂}₄]⁻, crystallization and structural characterization in the solid state were achieved. The hydrazinium‐yl radical cation has a significantly shortened N−N bond and a nearly planar N₂Si₃ framework, in contrast to the starting material. According to DFT calculations, the shortened N−N bond has a total bond order of 1.5 with a π‐bond order of 0.5. The π bond can be regarded as a three‐π‐electron, two‐center bond.

Hydrosulfonylation of Alkenes with Sulfonyl Imines via Ir/Cu Dual Photoredox Catalysis

Sulfonamides exhibit the advantages of wide prevalence, excellent prefunctionalization capability, and broad functional group compatibility. We report here utilizing sulfonyl imines as sulfonyl radical precursors for hydrosulfonylation of activated alkenes via visible-light irradiation. By preinstallation of functional groups into the sulfonamides and subsequent hydrosulfonylation, a variety of complex sulfones were synthesized with good efficiency under Ir/Cu dual photoredox catalysis. Additionally, this protocol expands the research in late-stage N-S bond modification in sulfonamides.