Visible-light-mediated β,β-thio- and selenosulfonylation of N-ethyl tertiary amines

Abstract

A visible-light-driven strategy for the geminal C(sp³)–H bis-functionalization of N-ethyl tertiary amines via both radical fragments, generated from organic thio/seleno sulfonates, has been accomplished. This protocol enables the synthesis of β,β-thio and selenosulfonylated enamines under metal and external oxidant-free conditions. The reaction proceeds via eosin Y-mediated activation of the amine and concurrent EDA complex formation between I⁻ and thio/selenosulfonate.