Recyclable g-C3N4 catalyzed decarboxylative alkenylation of N-aryl glycines with vinyl sulfones under visible-light irradiation

Abstract

Allylamines are a versatile class of compounds with significant applications in pharmaceuticals and as building blocks in organic synthesis. Herein we present a straightforward protocol for visible-light driven g-C3N4-catalyzed decarboxylative alkenylation of N-aryl glycines with vinyl sulfones to access allylamines in moderate to excellent yields (up to 91%), and it demonstrated broad substrate compatibility, including primary, secondary, and tertiary N-aryl glycines and diverse vinyl sulfones. Notably, the g-C3N4 catalyst is recyclable up to five times without obvious loss of catalytic performance. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that visible light is essential to achieve the desired transformation efficiently.