Photocatalytic Three-Component Umpolung Synthesis of 1,3-Diamines

A visible-light-mediated photocatalytic umpolung synthesis of 1,3-diamines from in situ-generated imines and dehydroalanine derivatives is described. Pivoting on a key nucleophilic addition of photocatalytically generated α-amino radicals to electron-deficient alkenes, this three-component coupling reaction affords 1,3-diamines efficiently and diastereoselectively. The mild protocol tolerates a wide variety of functionalities including heterocycles, pinacol boronates, and aliphatic chains. Application to biologically relevant α-amino-γ-lactam synthesis and extension to 1,3-aminoalcohols is also demonstrated.