Additive free, N-heterocyclic nitrenium catalyzed photoreduction of cycloketone oxime esters

We report that N-heterocyclic nitreniums (NHNs) can be used as ideal charge transfer complex catalysts in the absence of any additives for the photoactivation of cycloketone oxime esters, where the NHN cation acts as a catalytic electron acceptor, and the counter-ion I- is a catalytic electron donor. This strategy enables the synthesis of various trisubstituted alkenes and heterocycles.

Automated summary

We have discovered that N-heterocyclic nitreniums (NHNs) can act as efficient catalysts for charge transfer complex without the need for any additives. The NHN cation acts as an electron acceptor, while the counter-ion I- serves as an electron donor, enabling the synthesis of diverse trisubstituted alkenes and heterocycles.