Cooperative NHC and Photoredox Catalyzed Deaminative Acylation of Primary Amines via Isonitrile Formation

The transformation and utilization of amines is significant in organic synthesis and drug discovery. Herein, we demonstrate a deaminative acylation of primary amine-derived isonitriles enabled by cooperative N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and photoredox catalysis. The reaction proceeds via β-scission of an imidoyl radical to generate an alkyl radical, which then couples with an NHC-derived ketyl radical. This scalable method exhibits a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility. Its synthetic utility is showcased by the synthesis of haloperidol, a well-established antipsychotic, from readily available amines.