Semiconductor photocatalysis type B: synthesis of unsaturated alpha-cyano-homoallylamines from imines and olefins photocatalysed by silica- and cellulose-supported cadmium sulphide

alpha-Cyano-homoallylamines are synthesised in moderate yields by the photocatalysed linear addition of olefins to Ph(CN)C=NPh in the presence of silica-supported cadmium sulphide. Band edge positions of cadmium sulphide and the rate and diastereoselectivity of this radical C-C coupling reaction are not significantly changed when the semiconductor is supported onto cellulose. The latter result is in accordance with the absence of covalent semiconductor-support interactions.