Photocatalytic intermolecular anti-Markovnikov hydroamination of unactivated alkenes with N-hydroxyphthalimide

Abstract

A visible-light-induced/phosphite-promoted anti-Markovnikov hydroamination of alkenes with N-hydroxyphthalimide was successfully realized, which was initiated by a proton-coupled electron transfer to enable direct cleavage of its N–O bond. Both experimental and computational studies were performed to probe the reaction mechanism. A wide range of alkenes, including vinyl ethers, silanes, and sulfides as well as electronically unbiased terminal and internal alkenes, were well tolerated in this hydroamination protocol.