Photocatalytic synthesis of β-amino acid derivatives from alkenes with alkyl formates

The aminocarbonylation of alkenes is an efficient approach to synthesize important β-amino acid motifs. However, simple and convenient methods are still rare. Herein, we present a novel visible-light-mediated controllable three-component radical relay coupling of alkenes, alkyl formates and oxime esters. By the combination of hydrogen atom transfer and energy transfer processes, a series of β-amino esters could be obtained smoothly in one step under mild conditions. We expect that the approach can complement current methodologies for the synthesis of β-amino esters.