Palladium-Catalyzed Atom-Transfer Radical Cyclization at Remote Unactivated C(sp3 )-H Sites: Hydrogen-Atom Transfer of Hybrid Vinyl Palladium Radical Intermediates

Radical Cyclization-Initiated Difunctionalization Reactions of Alkenes and Alkynes

Radical reactions are powerful in the synthesis of diverse molecular scaffolds bearing functional groups. In previous review articles, we have presented 1,2-difunctionalizations, remote 1,3-, 1,4-, 1,5-, 1,6- and 1,7-difunctionalizations, and addition followed by cyclization reactions. Presented in this paper is radical cyclization followed by the second functionalization reaction. The second functionalization could be realized by atom transfer reactions, radical or transition metal-assisted coupling reactions, and reactions with neutral molecules, cationic and anionic species.

Recent Advances in Visible Light Induced Palladium Catalysis

Visible light-induced Pd catalysis has emerged as a promising subfield of photocatalysis. The hybrid nature of Pd radical species has enabled a wide array of radical-based transformations otherwise challenging or unknown via conventional Pd chemistry. In parallel to the ongoing pursuit of alternative, readily available radical precursors, notable discoveries have demonstrated that photoexcitation can alter not only oxidative addition but also other elementary steps. This Minireview highlights the recent progress in this area.

Visible light-induced palladium-carbon bond weakening in catalytically relevant T-shaped complexes

Triggering one-electron redox processes during palladium catalysis holds the potential to unlock new reaction mechanisms and synthetic methods not previously accessible in the typical two-electron reaction manifolds that dominate palladium catalysis. We report that T-shaped organopalladium(ii) complexes coordinated by a bulky monophosphine, a class of organometallic intermediate featured in a range of contemporary catalytic reactions, undergo blue light-promoted bond weakening leading to mild and efficient homolytic cleavage of strong Pd(ii)-C(sp3) bonds under ambient conditions. The origin of light-triggered radical formation in these systems, which lack an obvious ligand-based chromophore (i.e., π-systems), was investigated using a combination of DFT calculations, photoactinometry, and transient absorption spectroscopy. The available data suggest T-shaped organopalladium(ii) complexes manifest unusual blue light-accessible Pd-to-C(sp3) transition. The quantum efficiency and excited state lifetime of this process were unexpectedly superior compared to a prototypical (α-diimine)Pd(ii) complex featuring a low-lying, ligand-centered LUMO (π*). These results suggest coordinatively-unsaturated organopalladium(ii) compounds, catalysts in myriad catalytic processes, have untapped potential for one-electron reactivity under visible light excitation.

Mechanistic insights into excited-state palladium catalysis for C-S bond formations and dehydrogenative sulfonylation of amines

Photocatalytic selective C(sp3)-H activation/cross-coupling reactions are appealing in organic synthesis. In this manuscript, we describe the development of photoexcited-state Pd-catalyzed dehydrogenative β-sulfonylation reactions using amines and aryl sulfonyl chlorides via intermolecular hydrogen atom transfer and C-S cross-coupling processes at room temperature. The transformation can be achieved by the direct generation of two distinct Pd-radical hybrid species and their capability to promote two different reactivities from Pd(0) and aryl sulfonyl chlorides, allowing for the efficient conversion of readily available amines into stable sulfonyl-substituted enamines at room temperature. The in-depth experimental, computational, and transient optical spectroscopic study and catalytic applications of a dehydrogenative functionalization event provide evidence for both static and dynamic quenching, as well as inner-sphere and outer-sphere mechanisms.

Advances in Selected Heterocyclization Methods

This Account summarizes efforts in our group toward synthesis of heterocycles in the past decade. Selected examples of transannulative heterocyclizations, intermediate construction of reactive compounds en route to these important motifs, and newer developments of a radical approach are outlined.

Photoinduced meta-Selective C-H Oxygenation of Arenes

The merger of photocatalysis and transition-metal catalysis has recently emerged as an adaptable platform for the development of innovative and environmentally benign synthetic methodologies. In contrast to classical transformation by Pd complexes, photoredox Pd catalysis operates through a radical pathway in the absence of a radical initiator. Using the synergistic merger of photoredox and Pd catalysis, we have developed a highly efficient, regioselective, and general meta-oxygenation protocol for diverse arenes under mild reaction conditions. The protocol showcases the meta-oxygenation of phenylacetic acids and biphenyl carboxylic acids/alcohols and is also amenable for a series of sulfonyls and phosphonyl-tethered arenes, irrespective of the nature and position of the substituents. Unlike thermal C-H acetoxylation which operates through the Pd^II/Pd^IV catalytic cycle, this metallaphotocatalytic C-H activation involves Pd^II/Pd^III/Pd^IV intermediacy. The radical nature of the protocol is established through radical quenching experiments and EPR analysis of the reaction mixture. Furthermore, the catalytic path of this photoinduced transformation is established through control reactions, absorption spectroscopy, luminescence quenching, and kinetic studies.

Visible-Light-Induced Palladium-Catalyzed Construction of Polyarylfuran Skeletons via Cascade Aryl Radical Cyclization and C(sp3)-P(V) Bond Cleavage

Herein, a novel and expedient method was established for the synthesis of polyarylfuran derivatives. The coupling of allenylphosphine oxide and bromophenol or bromonaphthol enabled by visible light and palladium catalysis directly furnishes polyarylfuran skeletons, which involves a radical tandem cyclization and cascade C(sp³)-P(V) bond cleavage. This protocol features easy operation, a broad substrate scope, and a high step economy, affording polyarylfurans in moderate to good yields.

Enhanced Excited-State Hydricity of Pd-H Allows for Unusual Head-to-Tail Hydroalkenylation of Alkenes

Photoinduced enhancement of hydricity of palladium hydride species enables unprecedented hydride addition-like ("hydridic") hydropalladation of electron-deficient alkenes, which allows for chemoselective head-to-tail cross-hydroalkenylation of electron-deficient and electron-rich alkenes. This mild and general protocol works with a wide range of densely functionalized and complex alkenes. Notably, this approach also allows for highly challenging cross-dimerization of electronically diverse vinyl arenes and heteroarenes.

Pd-Catalyzed Photochemical Alkylative Functionalization of C═C and C═N Bonds

The development of excited-state palladium-catalyzed alkylative cyclization of acrylamides and the alkylation of quinoxalinones is described. The application of a variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary unactivated alkyl halides as alkyl radical precursors and the use of a simple catalyst system are the highlights of this reactivity manifold. The reactions exhibit wide scope, occur under mild conditions, and furnish the products in excellent yields.

Six-Step Synthesis of (±)-Lysergic Acid

This article describes a concise synthesis of lysergic acid from simple aromatic precursors. The successful strategy relies on the coupling, dearomatization, and cyclization of a halopyridine with a 4-haloindole derivative in 6 total synthetic steps from commercial starting materials. In addition to highlighting the advantages of employing dearomative retrosynthetic analysis, the design is practical and anticipated to enable the synthesis of novel neuroactive compounds as exemplified by the synthesis of a novel natural product derivative, 12-chlorolysergic acid.

Excited-State Palladium-Catalyzed α-Selective C1-Ketonylation

C-Glycosides are important carbohydrate mimetics found in natural products, bioactive compounds, and marketed drugs. However, stereoselective preparation of this class of glycomimetics remains a significant challenge in organic synthesis. Herein, we report an excited-state palladium-catalyzed α-selective C-ketonylation strategy using readily available 1-bromosugars to access a range of C-glycosides. The reaction features excellent α-selectivity and mild conditions that tolerate a wide range of functional groups and complex molecular architectures. The resulting α-ketonylsugars can serve as versatile precursors for their β-isomers and other C-glycosides. Preliminary experimental and computational studies of the mechanism suggest a radical pathway involving the formation of palladoradical and glycosyl radical that undergoes polarity-mismatched coupling with silyl enol ether, affording the desired α-ketonylsugars. Insight into the reactivity and mechanism will inspire new reaction development and provide straightforward access to both α- and β-C-glycosides, greatly expanding the chemical and patent spaces of glycomimetics.

General and Selective Metal-Free Radical α-C-H Borylation of Aliphatic Amines

Despite recent developments, selective C(sp3)-H borylation of feedstock amines remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we have developed a general, mild, and photoinduced transition metal- and strong base-free method for α-C(sp3)-H borylation of amines. This protocol features a regioselective 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer process to access key α-aminoalkyl radical intermediate using commercially available easy-to-install/remove iodobenzoyl radical translocating group. Remarkably, this general, efficient, and operationally simple method allows activation of primary and secondary α-C-H sites of a broad range of acyclic and cyclic amines toward highly regio- and diastereoselective synthesis of valuable α-aminoboronates. Utility of this protocol has been demonstrated by its employment in late-stage borylation of structurally complex amines and formal C-H arylation reaction of amines. Thus, it is expected that this operationally simple, general, and practical method will find broad application in organic synthesis and drug discovery.

Photoinduced Remote C(sp3)-H Cyanation and Oxidation Enabled by a Vinyl Radical-Mediated 1,5-HAT Strategy

We report a vinyl radical-mediated 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (1,5-HAT) strategy for the remote C(sp³)-H functionalization reaction, which includes cyanation, oxidation, and etherification under visible-light-induced photochemical conditions. This reaction is achieved using readily available alkyl N-hydroxyphthalimide esters as radical precursors, which can efficiently react with diverse alkynes to form key vinyl radical intermediates followed by a 1,5-HAT process. A series of structurally diverse γ-cyano, γ-carbonyl, and γ-oxygenated alkenes with excellent stereoselectivity can be efficiently constructed by this synthetic protocol.

[3+2] Cycloaddition of alkyl aldehydes and alkynes enabled by photoinduced hydrogen atom transfer

[3+2] Cycloaddition is a step- and atom-economic method for the synthesis of five-membered rings. Despite the great success of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions, the radical [3+2] annulation of alkynes remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a photoinduced decatungstate-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of various internal alkynes using abundant aliphatic aldehydes as a three-carbon synthon is developed, producing elaborate cyclopentanones in 100% atom economy with excellent site-, regio-, and diastereoselectivity under mild conditions. The catalytic cycle consists of hydrogen atom abstraction from aldehydes, radical addition, 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer, anti-Baldwin 5-endo-trig cyclization, and back hydrogen abstraction. The power of this method is showcased by the late-stage elaboration of medicinally relevant molecules and total or formal synthesis of (±)-β-cuparenone, (±)-laurokamurene B, and (±)-cuparene.

In contrast to the prevalence of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions, radical [3+2] annulations of alkynes are underexplored. Here, the authors describe [3+2] cycloadditions of various internal alkynes with readily accessible aliphatic aldehydes via photoinduced decatungstate catalysis.

Visible-Light-Catalyzed Tandem Radical Addition/1,5-Hydrogen Atom Transfer/Cyclization of 2-Alkynylarylethers with Sulfonyl Chlorides

A novel visible-light-catalyzed tandem radical addition/1,5-hydrogen atom transfer/cyclization cascade of 2-alkynylarylethers with sulfonyl chlorides in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran was developed under photocatalyst- and additive-free conditions. This reaction relies on unique energy transfer and solvent-radical relay strategies to generate sulfonyl radicals for the preparation of a series of sulfonyl-functionalized dihydrobenzofurans in moderate to high yields catalyzed by visible light or solar radiation.

C2-ketonylation of carbohydrates via excited-state palladium-catalyzed 1,2-spin-center shift

C2-ketonyl-2-deoxysugars, sugars with the C2-hydroxyl group replaced by a ketone side chain, are important carbohydrate mimetics in glycobiology and drug discovery studies; however, their preparation remains a vital challenge in organic synthesis. Here we report the first direct strategy to synthesize this class of glycomimetics from readily available 1-bromosugars and silyl enol ethers via an excited-state palladium-catalyzed 1,2-spin-center shift (SCS) process. This step-economic reaction features broad substrate scope, has a high functional group tolerance, and can be used in late-stage functionalization of natural product- and drug-glycoconjugates. Preliminary experimental and computational mechanistic studies suggested a non-chain radical mechanism involving photoexcited palladium species, a 1,2-SCS process, and a radical Mizoroki-Heck reaction.

Photocatalytic C(sp3) radical generation via C-H, C-C, and C-X bond cleavage

C(sp³) radicals (R˙) are of broad research interest and synthetic utility. This review collects some of the most recent advancements in photocatalytic R˙ generation and highlights representative examples in this field. Based on the key bond cleavages that generate R˙, these contributions are divided into C–H, C–C, and C–X bond cleavages. A general mechanistic scenario and key R˙-forming steps are presented and discussed in each section.

C(sp³) radicals (R˙) are of broad research interest and synthetic utility.

Visible Light-Induced Transition Metal Catalysis

In recent years, visible light-induced transition metal catalysis has emerged as a new paradigm in organic photocatalysis, which has led to the discovery of unprecedented transformations as well as the improvement of known reactions. In this subfield of photocatalysis, a transition metal complex serves a double duty by harvesting photon energy and then enabling bond forming/breaking events mostly via a single catalytic cycle, thus contrasting the established dual photocatalysis in which an exogenous photosensitizer is employed. In addition, this approach often synergistically combines catalyst-substrate interaction with photoinduced process, a feature that is uncommon in conventional photoredox chemistry. This Review describes the early development and recent advances of this emerging field.

Photocatalytic Sulfonylcarbocyclization of Alkynes Using SEt as a Traceless Directing Group: Access to Cyclopentenes and Indenes

Cyclopentenes and indenes are important structural scaffolds in synthetic, medical, and material chemistry. Cyclization of alkynes via remote C-H functionalization is an appealing approach to construct these motifs due to its high efficiency and step-economy. Herein, a traceless directing group strategy was designed to reverse the regioselectivity of radical addition which enabled an unprecedented photocatalytic sulfonylcarbocyclization of terminal alkynes by forming C-C bond on inert C(sp³ )-H bond. It offers a facile access to decorated cyclopentenes and indenes under mild conditions. The resultant products could be converted into a set of valuable molecular scaffolds, including a key intermediate of AM-6226. Mechanistic experiments suggest a radical cascade pathway comprising a Markovnikov-type sulfonylation, 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer, 5-endo-trig cyclization, and β-elimination. This study lays further groundwork for the use of anti-Baldwin 5-endo-trig radical cyclization in rapidly assembling five-membered carbocycles.

Access to cyclopentenones via copper-catalyzed 5-endo trifluoromethylcarbocyclization of ynones

A copper-catalyzed 5-endo-selective trifluoromethylcarbocyclization of ynones is realized for the direct construction of trifluoromethylated cyclopentenones.

Blue light enhanced Heck arylation at room temperature applied to allenes

A blue light enhanced synthesis of 2-vinyl pirrolidines and piperidines through a domino Heck arylation–cyclisation applied to allenyl amines is described. Essential is the role of the light in the aryl migration in the carbo-palladation step.

Copper-Catalyzed Aldehyde Exchanged Amidation

The synthesis of bioactive amides has been the pursuit of chemists. Herein secondary amides incorporated with an aldehyde group were first generated using aldehydes and secondary amines. Various (hetero)aryl aldehydes and even aliphatic aldehydes (>40 examples) were converted into the desired products in moderate to excellent yields (up to 89%). A plausible mechanism involving a Cu(I/II/III) catalytic cycle combined with radical rearrangement was proposed and confirmed with four key intermediates detected by high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Toolbox for Distal C-H Bond Functionalizations in Organic Molecules

Transition metal catalyzed C-H activation has developed a contemporary approach to the omnipresent area of retrosynthetic disconnection. Scientific researchers have been tempted to take the help of this methodology to plan their synthetic discourses. This paradigm shift has helped in the development of industrial units as well, making the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceutical drugs step-economical. In the vast zone of C-H bond activation, the functionalization of proximal C-H bonds has gained utmost popularity. Unlike the activation of proximal C-H bonds, the distal C-H functionalization is more strenuous and requires distinctly specialized techniques. In this review, we have compiled various methods adopted to functionalize distal C-H bonds, mechanistic insights within each of these procedures, and the scope of the methodology. With this review, we give a complete overview of the expeditious progress the distal C-H activation has made in the field of synthetic organic chemistry while also highlighting its pitfalls, thus leaving the field open for further synthetic modifications.

Unactivated Alkyl Chloride Reactivity in Excited-State Palladium Catalysis

Excited-state palladium catalysis is an efficient process for the alkylation of diverse organic compounds via the generation of alkyl radicals from alkyl bromides and iodides. However, the generation of alkyl radicals from more stable alkyl chlorides remains challenging. Herein, we demonstrate the excited-state palladium-catalyzed synthesis of oxindoles and isoquinolinediones via alkylation/annulation reaction by overcoming inherent limitations associated with unactivated C(sp³)-Cl bond activation at room temperature.

Photoinduced and Palladium-Catalyzed Remote Desaturation of Amide Derivatives

A photoinduced and palladium-catalyzed remote desaturation of O-acyl hydroxamides to unsaturated amides under mild conditions has been achieved. The formation of the alkyl Pd(II) intermediate by the recombination of alkyl radical and Pd(I) species is critical to achieve this efficient and selective desaturation of alkanes. This reaction features good site-selectivity, is terminal oxidant-free, and produces moderate to excellent yields for a variety of unsaturated amides. Remarkably, this approach enables late-stage desaturation of complex and biologically important molecules.

Photoinduced Palladium-Catalyzed Intermolecular Radical Cascade Cyclization of N-Arylacrylamides with Unactivated Alkyl Bromides

A mild visible-light-induced Pd-catalyzed intermolecular radical cascade reaction of N-arylacrylamides with unactivated alkyl bromides is disclosed. Photoexcited Pd complexes transfer a single electron in this protocol, and hybrid alkyl Pd-radical species are involved as the key reaction intermediates. Sophisticated bioactive oxindole derivatives bearing various substituents and substitution patterns can be efficiently afforded through this approach.

Photoinduced Palladium-Catalyzed Dicarbofunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes

Herein, a conceptually distinct approach was developed that allowed for the dicarbofunctionalization of alkynes at room temperature using simple, bench-stable alkyl iodides and a second molecule of alkyne as coupling partner. Specifically, the photochemical activation of palladium complexes enabled this strategic dicarbofunctionalization via addition of alkyl radicals from secondary and tertiary alkyl iodides and formation of an intermediate palladium vinyl complex that could undergo subsequent Sonogashira reaction with a second alkyne molecule. This alkylation-alkynylation sequence allowed the one-step synthesis of 1,3-enynes including heteroarenes and biologically active compounds with high efficiency without exogenous photosensitizers or oxidants and now opens up pathways towards cascade reactions via photochemical palladium catalysis.

Excited-State Palladium-Catalyzed 1,2-Spin-Center Shift Enables Selective C-2 Reduction, Deuteration, and Iodination of Carbohydrates

Excited-state catalysis, a process that involves one or more excited catalytic species, has emerged as a powerful tool in organic synthesis because it allows access to the excited-state reaction landscape for the discovery of novel chemical reactivity. Herein, we report the first excited-state palladium-catalyzed 1,2-spin-center shift reaction that enables site-selective functionalization of carbohydrates. The strategy features mild reaction conditions with high levels of regio- and stereoselectivity that tolerate a wide range of functional groups and complex molecular architectures. Mechanistic studies suggest a radical mechanism involving the formation of hybrid palladium species that undergoes a 1,2-spin-center shift followed by the reduction, deuteration, and iodination to afford functionalized 2-deoxy sugars. The new reactivity will provide a general approach for the rapid generation of natural and unnatural carbohydrates.

Visible light photoredox-catalysed remote C–H functionalisation enabled by 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (1,5-HAT)

The generation of heteroatom-centred radicals followed by intramolecular 1,5-HAT and functionalisation of the translocated carbon-centred radical is an efficient way to functionalize chemo- and regio-selectively the remote unactivated C(sp³)–H bond.

Visible Light-Induced Radical Addition/Annulation to Construct Phenylsulfonyl-Functionalized Dihydrobenzofurans Involving an Intramolecular 1,5-Hydrogen Atom Transfer Process

A visible light-induced radical cascade reaction of 2-alkynylarylethers with sodium sulfinates was established for the synthesis of sulfonyl-functionalized dihydrobenzofurans, and an intramolecular 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer was involved in this transformation. This process provided an efficient and convenient C-C formation protocol for the construction of a dihydrobenzofuran ring. Various substituents on 2-alkynylarylethers and sodium sulfinates were tolerated in the reaction, and the corresponding products were obtained in moderate to good yields.

C-H functionalization reactions enabled by hydrogen atom transfer to carbon-centered radicals

Selective functionalization of ubiquitous unactivated C-H bonds is a continuous quest for synthetic organic chemists. In addition to transition metal catalysis, which typically operates under a two-electron manifold, a recent renaissance in the radical approach relying on the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process has led to tremendous growth in the area. Despite several challenges, protocols proceeding via HAT are highly sought after as they allow for relatively easy activation of inert C-H bonds under mild conditions leading to a broader scope and higher functional group tolerance and sometimes complementary reactivity over methods relying on traditional transition metal catalysis. A number of methods operating via heteroatom-based HAT have been extensively reported over the past few years, while methods employing more challenging carbon analogues have been less explored. Recent developments of mild methodologies for generation of various carbon-centered radical species enabled their utilization in the HAT process, which, in turn, led to the development of remote C(sp3)-H functionalization reactions of alcohols, amines, amides and related compounds. This review covers mostly recent advances in C-H functionalization reactions involving the HAT step to carbon-centered radicals.

Visible-Light-Induced Palladium-Catalyzed Generation of Aryl Radicals from Aryl Triflates

A mild visible-light-induced Pd-catalyzed intramolecular C-H arylation of amides is reported. The method operates by cleavage of a C(sp2 )-O bond, leading to hybrid aryl Pd-radical intermediates. The following 1,5-hydrogen atom translocation, intramolecular cyclization, and rearomatization steps lead to valuable oxindole and isoindoline-1-one motifs. Notably, this method provides access to products with readily enolizable functional groups that are incompatible with traditional Pd-catalyzed conditions.

AIBN-Induced Remote Trifluoromethyl-Alkynylation of Thioalkynes

A novel α,α'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN)-induced remote trifluoromethyl-alkynylation of thioalkynes with alkynyl triflones as both the trifluoromethyl and alkyne sources is described. Structurally diverse trifluoromethylated (Z)-enynes can be constructed with full control of regio-, stereo-, and site-selectivity, which serves as a highly selective method for the rapid construction of trifluoromethylated molecules.

Three-Component, Interrupted Radical Heck/Allylic Substitution Cascade Involving Unactivated Alkyl Bromides

Developing efficient and selective strategies to approach complex architectures containing (multi)stereogenic centers has been a long-standing synthetic challenge in both academia and industry. Catalytic cascade reactions represent a powerful means of rapidly leveraging molecular complexity from simple feedstocks. Unfortunately, carrying out cascade Heck-type reactions involving unactivated (tertiary) alkyl halides remains an unmet challenge owing to unavoidable β-hydride elimination. Herein, we show that a modular, practical, and general palladium-catalyzed, radical three-component coupling can indeed overcome the aforementioned limitations through an interrupted Heck/allylic substitution sequence mediated by visible light. Selective 1,4-difunctionalization of unactivated 1,3-dienes, such as butadiene, has been achieved by employing different commercially available nitrogen-, oxygen-, sulfur-, or carbon-based nucleophiles and unactivated alkyl bromides (>130 examples, mostly >95:5 E/Z, >20:1 rr). Sequential C(sp³)-C(sp³) and C-X (N, O, S) bonds have been constructed efficiently with a broad scope and high functional group tolerance. The flexibility and versatility of the strategy have been illustrated in a gram-scale reaction and streamlined syntheses of complex ether, sulfone, and tertiary amine products, some of which would be difficult to access via currently established methods.

Photoinduced Palladium-Catalyzed Carbofunctionalization of Conjugated Dienes Proceeding via Radical-Polar Crossover Scenario: 1,2-Aminoalkylation and Beyond

A photoinduced palladium-catalyzed 1,2-carbofunctionalization of conjugated dienes has been developed. This mild modular approach, which does not require employment of exogeneous photosensitizers and external oxidants, allows for efficient and highly regio- and stereoselective synthesis of a broad range of allylic amines from readily available 1,3-dienes, alkyl iodides, and amines. Employment of O- and C-nucleophiles toward oxyalkylation and dialkylation products was also demonstrated. A putative π-allyl palladium radical-polar crossover path is proposed as a key event in this three-component coupling process. The utility of this protocol is highlighted by its application for derivatization of several amine-containing drugs.