Recyclable g-C3N4 Catalyzed Decarboxylative Alkenylation of N‑aryl Glycines with Vinyl Sulfones under Visible-Light Irradiation

Abstract

Allylamines are a versatile class of compounds with significant applications in pharmaceuticals and as building blocks in organic synthesis. Herein we present a straightforward protocol of visible-light driven g-C3N4-catalyzed decarboxylative alkenylation of N‑aryl glycines with vinyl sulfones to access allylamines in moderate to excellent yields (up to 91%), which demonstrated broad substrate compatibility, inculding primary, secondary, tertiary N‑aryl glycines and diverse vinyl sulfones. Notably, the g-C3N4 catalyst is recyclable for up to five times without obvious loss of catalytic performance. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that the visible light is essential to achieve the desired transformation efficiently.