A Photocatalytic System Composed of Benzimidazolium Aryloxide and Tetramethylpiperidine 1-Oxyl to Promote Desulfonylative α-Oxyamination Reactions of α-Sulfonylketones.

A new photocatalytic system was developed for carrying out desulfonylative α-oxyamination reactions of α-sulfonylketones in which α-ketoalkyl radicals are generated. The catalytic system is composed of benzimidazolium aryloxide betaines (BI+-ArO-), serving as visible light-absorbing electron donor photocatalysts, and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO), playing dual roles as an electron donor for catalyst recycling and a reagent to capture the generated radical intermediates. Information about the detailed nature of BI+-ArO- and the photocatalytic processes with TEMPO was gained using absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical measurements, and density functional theory calculations.

Protocol for Visible-Light-Promoted Desulfonylation Reactions Utilizing Catalytic Benzimidazolium Aryloxide Betaines and Stoichiometric Hydride Donor Reagents.

An unprecedented photocatalytic system consisting of benzimidazolium aryloxide betaines (BI+-ArO-) and stoichiometric hydride reducing reagents was developed for carrying out desulfonylation reactions of N-sulfonyl-indoles, -amides, and -amines, and α-sulfonyl ketones. Measurements of absorption spectra and cyclic voltammograms as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to gain mechanistic information. In the catalytic system, visible-light-activated benzimidazoline aryloxides (BIH-ArO-), generated in situ by hydride reduction of the corresponding betaines BI+-ArO-, donate both an electron and a hydrogen atom to the substrates. A modified protocol was also developed so that a catalytic quantity of more easily prepared hydroxyaryl benzimidazolines (BIH-ArOH) is used along with a stoichiometric hydride donor to promote the photochemical desulfonylation reactions.