Biomimetic Dehydroamination of Primary Amines

Herein, we present a biomimetic method for the catalytic deammoniation of diverse primary amines, including amino acids, natural products, and pharmaceuticals. This innovative approach, characterized by its operational simplicity and high selectivity, provides a rapid and easily accessible pathway to a wide range of olefin products derived from nonfossil-based chemicals. The transformation relies on the utilization of two readily available photoactive catalysts: acridinium salt and cobaloxime. Through a combination of experimental and theoretical studies, we have gained valuable insights into the fundamental steps underlying this unconventional dehydroamination process.