Synthesis of Tetrahydroisoquinolines by Visible-Light-Mediated 6-exo-trig Cyclization of α-Aminoalkyl Radicals

Starting from the respective tertiary α-silylmethyl amines, the intramolecular cyclization of α-aminoalkyl radicals to Michael acceptors produced tetrahydroisoquinolines. The reaction conditions included the use of 5 mol% of an iridium photoredox catalyst, dimethylformamide as the solvent, and equimolar amounts of water and cesium carbonate as the additives. 13 substrates were synthesized from ortho-alkylbenzaldehydes in a three-step procedure involving a carbonyl condensation, a radical bromination, and a substitution by a secondary α-silylmethyl amine. After optimization of the photocyclization, the reaction delivered tetrahydroisoquinolines in moderate to high yields (41–83%). A facial diastereoselectivity (dr ≅ 80:20) was observed with chiral substrates and a crystal structure provided evidence for the relative configuration of the major diastereoisomer. A catalytic cycle with direct electron transfer to the photoexcited metal catalyst is proposed.