Direct N−H Activation to Generate Nitrogen Radical for Arylamine Synthesis via Quantum Dots Photocatalysis

Abstract

AbstractRepresented herein is the first example of N‐radical generation direct from N−H bond activation under mild and redox‐neutral conditions. The in situ generated N‐radical intercepts a reduced heteroarylnitrile/aryl halide for C−N bond formation under visible‐light irradiation of quantum dots (QDs). A series of aryl and alkylamines with heteroarylnitriles/aryl halides exhibit high efficiency, site‐selectivity and good functional‐group tolerance. Moreover, consecutive C−C and C−N bond formation using benzylamines as substrates is also achieved, producing N‐aryl‐1,2‐diamines with H2 evolution. The redox‐neutral conditions, broad substrate scope, and efficiency of N‐radical formation are advantageous for organic synthesis.