Pseudo-4-component photoredox-catalyzed alkylative amidination/carbamoylation of styrenes with isocyanides and redox-active esters

Abstract

We report a photoredox-catalyzed pseudo-four-component process for the alkylative amidination of styrenes using isocyanides and redox-active esters (RAEs). This redox-neutral radical-polar crossover reaction shows broad functional group tolerance. The RAE serves as both a radical and nucleophile source, with the initially released phthalimide anion reintegrated into the final product. The resulting amidines can be readily derivatized into amides, tetrazoles, nitriles, or aldehydes, enhancing the synthetic utility of this approach.