Spin-Selective Generation of Triplet Nitrenes: Olefin Aziridination through Visible-Light Photosensitization of Azidoformates.

ABSTRACT: Azidoformates are interesting potential nitrene precursors, but their direct photochemical activation can result in competitive formation of aziridination and allylic amination products. Herein, we show that visible-light-activated transition-metal complexes can be triplet sensitizers that selectively produce aziridines through the spin-selective photogeneration of triplet nitrenes from azidoformates. This approach enables the aziridination of a wide range of alkenes and the formal oxyamination of enol ethers using the alkene as the limiting reagent. Preparative-scale aziridinations can be easily achieved under continuous-flow conditions.

SUBMITTER: Scholz SO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4811335 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature