Thioxanthone-Photocatalyzed Aerobic Formylation of N,N-Dimethylanilines under Visible Light

Abstract

A mild and efficient photo-induced method for the direct formylation of N,N-dimethylanilines using inexpensive, commercially available thioxanthone as a photocatalyst is reported. The reaction proceeds under ambient conditions, in the presence of oxygen and visible light. The resulting formamides can be directly converted into N-methylalanines via a one-pot deformylation process, offering a practical and sustainable strategy for the demethylation of N,Ndimethylanilines. The methodology is operationally simple, scalable, and compatible with structurally diverse substrates.Its synthetic utility was further demonstrated through late-stage functionalization of value added molecules, including Padimate O, Thioflavin T, Mifepristone and Tropinone.