Visible-light promoted photocatalyst-free aerobic α-oxidation of tertiary amines to amides

A photocatalyst-free, visible-light-induced strategy for the alpha-oxygenation of tertiary amines by molecular oxygen (1 atm), enabled by electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes, has been developed. This EDA-complex mediated process provides a facile access to amides and esters from readily accessible corresponding amines and ethers without the need for an external photoredox catalyst, and also features mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility. Mechanistic studies indicated a short radical chain reaction triggered by the decomposition of EDA complexes upon visible-light irradiation.