Expanding the Scope of Photocatalysis: Atom Transfer Radical Addition of Bromoacetonitrile to Aliphatic Olefins

Abstract An efficient photocatalyzed bromocyanomethylation of alkenes is reported. Among a range of organocatalysts and metal complexes, Ir(ppy) 3 proved to be the best photocatalyst in promoting the addition of BrCH 2 CN to olefins. This photocatalytic atom transfer protocol can be expanded into a wide substrate scope of aliphatic olefins bearing various functional groups, leading to the corresponding products in good to excellent yields. In addition, linchpin catalysis was developed, since the bromo group can undergo further transformation into useful functional groups, such as the synthesis of amino acids.