A Germanium Catalyst Accelerates the Photoredox α-C(sp3)-H Alkylation of Primary Amines

Site-selective C(sp(3))-H functionalizations using photoredox catalysis (PC) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalysis have received increasing attention. Here, we report a Ph2GeCl2 cocatalyst that greatly improves the yield of alpha-C(sp(3))-H alkylation of primary amines catalyzed by a PC-HAT hybrid system. The alpha-position of the amino group selectively reacted even when weaker C-H bonds existed in the substrates. This finding may help the design of a novel site-selective hybrid catalysis.

Automated summary

Selective C(sp(3))-H functionalization using photoredox catalysis and hydrogen atom transfer catalysis has attracted increasing attention. We report the use of a Ph2GeCl2 cocatalyst that greatly improves the yield of alpha-C(sp(3))-H alkylation of primary amines catalyzed by a PC-HAT hybrid system. The alpha-position of the amino group selectively reacts, even when weaker C-H bonds exist in the substrates. This finding may aid in the design of novel site-selective hybrid catalysis.