Dehydrogenation and α-functionalization of secondary amines by visible-light-mediated catalysis

A visible-light-mediated process for dehydrogenation of amines has been described. The given protocol showed a broad substrate scope, mild reaction conditions and excellent results without the requirement of tedious purification. This process can be applied in one-pot functionalization of secondary amines with various nucleophiles through the cooperation of visible-light and Lewis acid catalysis, leading to the structurally varied essential components of biologically active molecules. In addition, Stern–Volmer studies and quenching experiments revealed the role of a catalyst and led to the proposed mechanism of this transformation.