Photocatalytic dehydrogenative oxidation/amination of 2-alkyl benzamides under transition-metal-free conditions

Abstract

A mild pathway is reported herein for converting 2-alkyl benzamides into functionalized hydroxyisoindolines under visible light stimulation using oxygen as the sole terminal oxidant with synergistic interactions of eosin Y and nBu₄NBr. Using this method over 56 examples of hydroxyisoindolines with various functional groups have been prepared in up to 92% yield. The practical value of this catalytic strategy is further highlighted by its successful application in the late-stage functionalization of biologically active skeletons.