Visible-Light-Induced Radical Acylation of Imines with α-Ketoacids Enabled by Electron-Donor–Acceptor Complexes

A visible-light-induced radical acylation of imines with α-ketoacids has been achieved, enabled by an electron-donor–acceptor (EDA) complex. This EDA complex-mediated process eradicates the use of a photocatalyst. Visible light is used as the sole promoter for this reaction, and CO2 is the only side product. Substrates with amide, cyanide, ester, ether, halides, and heterocycles were compatible. This radical acylation allows access structurally diverse α-amino ketones (32 examples) in up to 90% isolated yields.