Visible-Light-Mediated Amination of π-Nucleophiles with N-Aminopyridinium Salts.

N-Aminopyridinium salts generate nitrogen-centered radicals by means of photoredox catalysis. Herein, we report that they can be trapped by enol equivalents to give α-amino carbonyl compounds in excellent yields. The broad synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by functionalization of ketones, aldehydes, esters enol equivalents, vinyl ethers, and 1,3-diketones without the need for prior conversion to enol derivatives. The developed method is easily scalable, offers broad substrate scope, high chemoselectivity.