Visible-light-induced catalyst-free reductive coupling of aldehydes, ketones and imines with cyanopyridines.
Xiaoting ZouYatao LangXinlong HanMing-Wei ZhengJiayuan WangChao-Jun LiHui-Ying ZengPublished in: Chemical communications (Cambridge, England) (2024)
This article introduces a reductive coupling driven by visible-light, facilitating the synthesis of pyridine-substituted alcohols and amines through the reaction of aldehydes, ketones and imines with cyanopyridines. Hantzsch esters serve as reductants in this process, eliminating the need for transition-metals or photosensitizers. The method demonstrates extensive compatibility and finds utility in the late-stage functionalization of both natural and pharmaceutical products, offering a sustainable pathway for the diversification of chemical compounds.