Visible-Light-Induced Multicomponent Synthesis of γ-Amino Esters with Diazo Compounds.

A visible-light-induced multicomponent reaction of ethyl diazoacetate, diarylamines, and styrene-type alkenes is described. This novel 1,2-difunctionalization of alkenes can be readily achieved under a simple operation and mild conditions, affording γ-amino esters as major products. The reaction proceeds through the generation of carbon-centered radicals from diazo compounds by a visible-light-promoted proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process. The carbon radicals then add to diverse alkenes, delivering new carbon radical species, and the final products are formed with N-centered radicals via a radical-radical coupling.