Organocatalytic radical aminoacylation of alkenes for β-aminoketone synthesis

An NHC organocatalytic radical aminoacylation of alkenes has been developed by using aldehydes as the acylating reagents and activated aryloxy-amides as the N-radical precursors, providing a new platform for modular access to highly functionalized β-aminoketones. The key to the success of this reaction relies on the single electron transfer (SET) event between the enolates of Breslow intermediates and carefully screened N-radical precursors, followed by a radical addition and radical-radical coupling relay process. The protocol features simple and readily available materials (abundant and feed-stock aldehydes and alkenes), mild reaction conditions (metal-, photo- and oxidant-free, in EA at room temperature), easily removable protecting group for late-stage functionalization.