Photoinduced Carbamoylation of C(sp3)-H Bonds with Isocyanates

Alkylbenzenes coupled with isocyanates at the benzylic position upon irradiation with visible light in the presence of an iridium photoredox catalyst, a bromide anion, and a nickel catalyst, producing N-substituted alpha-aryl amides. An analogous carbamoylation reaction of aliphatic C-H bonds of alkanes took place when UV light and a diaryl ketone were used instead of visible light and the iridium complex. The present reaction offers a straightforward and atom-economical method for the synthesis of carboxamides starting from hydrocarbons with one-carbon extension.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates a straightforward and atom-economical method for the synthesis of carboxamides from hydrocarbons with one-carbon extension, using visible light and specific catalysts for the reaction.