Redox-Neutral α-Allylation of Amines by Combining Palladium Catalysis and Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis

An unprecedented alpha-allylation of amines was achieved by combining palladium catalysis and visible-light photoredox catalysis. In this dual catalysis process, the catalytic generation of allyl radical from the corresponding pi-allylpalladium intermediate was achieved without additional metal reducing reagents (redox-neutral). Various allylation products of amines were obtained in high yields through radical cross-coupling under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the transformation was applied to the formal synthesis of 8-oxoprotoberberine derivatives which show potential anticancer properties.