Selective Oxidative [4+2] Imine/Alkene Annulation with H2 Liberation Induced by Photo-Oxidation.

The oxidative [4+2] annulation reaction represents an elegant and versatile synthetic protocol for the construction of six-membered heterocyclic compounds. Herein, a photoinduced oxidative [4+2] annulation of NH imines and alkenes was developed by utilizing a dual photoredox/cobaloxime catalytic system. Various multisubstituted 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines can be obtained in good yields. This method is not only obviated the need of stiochiometric amounts of oxidants but also exhibited excellent atom economy by generating H2 as the only byproduct. Remarkably, high regioselectivity and trans diastereoselectivity can be achieved in this transformation even if the Z/E mixture of alkenes were employed.