Photoredox-catalyzed nucleophilic addition of α-amino radicals to unsaturated compounds

Abstract

Visible-light photoredox catalysis has transformed modern synthetic organic chemistry by enabling efficient and selective radical nucleophilic addition reactions mediated by α-amino radicals. Generated under mild conditions, these highly nucleophilic intermediates provide powerful strategies for constructing a wide range of nitrogen-containing molecules with significant biological relevance. This review systematically examines recent advances in α-amino radical generation, encompassing approaches based on direct C–H oxidation, decarboxylation, reductive cleavage of C–Si and C–B bonds, and electron donor–acceptor complex formation. In addition, it critically evaluates key strategies for controlling regioselectivity and stereoselectivity, highlighting innovative catalytic systems and mechanistic insights. The synthetic utility of these methods in natural product synthesis and medicinal chemistry is discussed, underscoring their transformative impact. Finally, the review offers perspectives on future directions and remaining challenges, with particular emphasis on catalyst innovation, reaction scalability, and deeper mechanistic understanding.