Visible-light-driven C(sp3)–H alkylation of heterobenzylic amines via electron donor–acceptor complexes

Abstract

Heterobenzylic amines such as α-alkyl- substituted oxadiazole methylamine skeletons present as essential motifs in pharmaceuticals and pesticides, due to their unique biological activities. Photoredox reactions mediated by electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes are relatively environmentally friendly, and have attracted much attention in current organic synthesis research. Herein, we report a C–H alkylation of heterobenzylic amines under visible light irradiation, involving an EDA complex formed upon association of alkyl iodide and organophosphines in catalytic amounts.