Alkylazolation of Alkenes via Photocatalytic Radical Polar Crossover

Org Lett. 2025 Jan 13. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c04384. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

We present a photocatalytic method for alkylamination of alkenes, enabling efficient C-C and C-N bond formation to construct aza-heterocycles valuable in drug discovery. Using a radical-polar crossover pathway, electron-deficient alkenes are reduced to electrophilic radicals, which react with electron-rich alkenes to form nucleophilic radicals. Oxidation of these intermediates yields carbocations, which are trapped by aza-heteroarenes to afford alkylaminated products. This strategy enhances molecular complexity while suppressing side reactions.