Catalytic Radical-Polar Crossover Ritter Reaction

Abstract

A catalytic radical-polar crossover Ritter reaction is described. The transformation proceeds under acid-free conditions and tolerates a variety of functional groups. The catalyst design overcomes limitations in the substitution pattern of starting materials and enables hydroamidation of a diverse range of alkenes. Formation of hydrogen contributes to the background consumption of reductant and oxidant and competes with the desired pathway, pointing to a mechanistic link between hydrogen atom transfer-initiated organic reactions and hydrogen evolution catalysis.