Heterogeneous Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis with Graphitic Carbon Nitride for α-Aminoalkyl Radical Additions, Allylations, and Heteroarylations

A protocol for the photooxidative activation of α-silylamines and α-amino acids for desilylative and decarboxylative additions, allylations, and heteroarylations in the presence of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) was developed. The procedure has broad scope and provides the desired products in high yields. The heterogeneous nature of the g-C₃N₄ catalytic system enables easy recovery and recycling as well as the use in multiple runs without loss of activity. The photoredox catalyzed reactions can also be conducted in continuous photo flow fashion and scaled up to gram-scale. Thus, the stable and readily available polymeric g-C₃N₄ provides an alternative to homogeneous photosensitizers for the generation of valuable radical intermediates for applications in synthesis and catalysis.