Iminyl-Radical-Mediated C–C Cleavage/Amination and Alkene Iminoamination Enabled by Visible-Light-Induced Cerium Catalysis

The formation of free radicals using visible light as the energy source is of great synthetic value. Despite advances in the photoredox catalysis process using expensive Ir and Ru complexes or organic dyes, the discovery and employment of photocatalysts based on alternative, abundant, and inexpensive metal salts remain highly desired. Herein, the visible-light-induced decarboxylation of α-imino-oxy acids for the generation of iminyl radicals has been accomplished using nontoxic and inexpensive CeCl₃·7H₂O as the photocatalyst via the LMCT process. The iminyl-radical-mediated C–C cleavage/amination and alkene iminoamination have been achieved within this catalyst system.