Metal-Free α-C(sp)-H Aroylation of Amines via a Photoredox Catalytic Radical-Radical Cross-Coupling Process.

Here we describe an unprecedented metal-free C(sp)-H aroylation of amines via visible-light photoredox catalysis, which provides a straightforward route for the construction of a useful α-amino aryl ketone skeleton. Additionally, a number of selected products exhibit good biological activity for protecting PC12 cell damage, which shows that this skeleton has the potential to become a new neuroprotective agent. Finally, a series of mechanism experiments indicate that this transformation undergoes a photoredox catalytic radical-radical cross-coupling pathway.