Aerobic Oxidative EDA Catalysis: Synthesis of Tetrahydroquinolines Using an Organocatalytic EDA Active Acceptor

A catalytic electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complex for the visible-light-driven annulation reaction between activated alkenes and N,N-substituted dialkyl anilines is reported. The key photoactive complex is formed in situ between dialkylated anilines as donors and 1,2-dibenzoylethylene as a catalytic acceptor. The catalytic acceptor is regenerated by aerobic oxidation. Investigations into the mechanism are provided, revealing a rare example of a catalytic acceptor in photoactive EDA complexes that can give access to selective functionalization of aromatic amines under mild photochemical conditions.