Photoredox Catalysis as an Efficient Tool for the Aerobic Oxidation of Amines and Alcohols: Bioinspired Demethylations and Condensations

Abstract

Tertiary amines were readily converted into secondary amines through a photoredox-catalyzed N-demethylation, a bioinspired procedure that resembles nature’s enzymatic pathways. Furthermore, the selective oxidation of primary amines as well as primary and secondary alcohols was achieved using photoredox catalysis. The protocols feature low catalyst loadings (1–2 mol %) and offer access to diverse imines and carbonyl compounds.