Nitrogen–Nitrogen Radical Coupling-Enabled Precise Difunctionalization of Carbon–Nitrogen Double Bonds

Abstract

In this study, we have developed a metal-free, photoinduced energy transfer strategy for the efficient difunctionalization of carbon–nitrogen double bonds (C═N). Utilizing oxime ester-based bifunctional reagents, we have achieved direct radical difunctionalization of C═N bonds through nitrogen–nitrogen radical coupling, with over 35 examples and yields up to 96%. This method exhibits broad substrate scope, being compatible with a variety of carboxylic acids and biologically active molecules, thus offering a novel approach for the difunctionalization of heteroatom-containing unsaturated bonds in synthetic chemistry.