Enantioselective Radical Functionalization of Imines and Iminium Intermediates via Visible Light Photoredox Catalysis

Visible light photoredox catalysis has recently emerged as a powerful tool for the development of new and valuable chemical transformations under mild conditions. Visible-light promoted enantioselective radical transformations of imines and iminium intermediates provide new opportunities for the asymmetric synthesis of amines and asymmetric β-functionalization of unsaturated carbonyl compounds. In this review, the advance in the catalytic asymmetric radical functionalization of imines, as well as iminium intermediates, are summarized. 1 Introduction 2 The enantioselective radical functionalization of imines 2.1 Asymmetric reduction 2.2 Asymmetric cyclization 2.3 Asymmetric addition 2.4 Asymmetric radical coupling 3 The enantioselective radical functionalization of iminium ions 3.1 Asymmetric radical alkylation 3.2 Asymmetric radical acylation 4 Conclusion