Catalytic Alkene Difunctionalization via Imidate Radicals

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jacs.8b07578

The first catalytic strategy to harness imidate radicals has been developed. This approach enables alkene difunctionalization of allyl alcohols by photocatalytic reduction of their oxime imidates. The ensuing imidate radicals undergo consecutive intra- and intermolecular reactions to afford (i) hydroamination, (ii) aminoalkylation, or (iii) aminoarylation, via three distinct radical mechanisms. The broad scope and utility of this catalytic method for imidate radical reactivity is presented, along with comparisons to other N-centered radicals and complementary, closed-shell imidate pathways.