Cross-Dehydrogenating Coupling of Aldehydes with Amines/R-OTBS Ethers by Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis: Synthesis of Amides, Esters, and Ureas

A straightforward synthesis of amides, ureas, and esters is reported by visible-light cross-dehydrogenating coupling (CDC) of aldehydes (or amine carbaldehydes) and amines/R-OTBS ethers by photoredox catalysis. The reaction is found to be general and high yielding. A plausible mechanistic pathway has been proposed for these transformations and is supported by appropriate controlled experiments.