Application Note 68: Photocatalytic Synthesis of γ-Lactams and α-Tertiary Amine Derivatives in Continuous Flow

We report a simple and direct solution to the synthesis of γ-lactams 4 (incl. azaspirocycles) and α-tertiary amine derivatives 5. Using a cheap organic photocatalyst (4CzIPN) in combination with azide ion as a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalyst, the α-C–H alkylation of aliphatic primary amines 1 with acrylate Michael acceptors 2 can be affected (Scheme 1).1