Multicomponent Synthesis of α-Branched Tertiary and Secondary Amines by Photocatalytic Hydrogen Atom Transfer Strategy

A multicomponent carbonyl alkylative amination reaction is described. A variety of N-arylamines, aldehydes, and hydrocarbons have been examined as reaction substrates using tetrabutylammonium decatungstate as photocatalyst, providing the corresponding α-branched tertiary and secondary amines in good to moderate yields. The reaction proceeds through the generation of alkyl radicals by a light-promoted hydrogen atom transfer process followed by free radical addition to iminium ions generated in situ.