Metal-Free Aerobic C–N Bond Formation of Styrene and Arylamines via Photoactivated Electron Donor–Acceptor Complexation

Abstract

This study processes a facile and green approach for the Markovnikov-selective hydroamination of styrene with naphthylamine through irradiation with UV LED light (365 nm) via an electron donor–acceptor complexation between naphthylamines and oxygen in situ. This protocol showcases the synthetic potential for aerobic C–N bond formation without using a metal catalyst and photosensitizer. Three naphthylamines were examined and afforded desired C–N bond formation product in moderate yield.

Keywords

• hydroamination
• photocatalyst-free
• UV light
• C–N functionalization
• photoactivation