Activation of C-H Bonds via the Merger of Photoredox and Organocatalysis: A Coupling of Benzylic Ethers with Schiff Bases

The photoredox-mediated coupling of benzylic ethers with Schiff bases has been accomplished. Direct benzylic CH activation by a combination of a thiol catalyst with an iridium photocatalyst and subsequent radicalradical coupling with secondary aldimines affords a variety of beta-amino ether products in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies suggest that a reductive quenching pathway of the photocatalyst is operable.