Synthesis of α‑Aminoacetals via Decarboxylative Coupling of Imine and 2,2,-Diethoxyacetic Acid

Atom-economical C–C coupling between imines and
a C1 source
could provide α-aminoaldehyde derivatives. Nevertheless, such
a coupling has rarely been achieved owing to the lack of appropriate
nucleophilic C1 sources. In this study, photocatalytic synthesis of
α-aminoacetals was achieved via decarboxylative coupling of
imine and 2,2-diethoxyacetic acid using a nonstoichiometric amount
of a radical initiator. Various functional groups were compatible,
providing efficient one-step access to diversely functionalized α-aminoacetals,
which provides a promising platform for further research.