Light-driven four-component reaction with boronic acid derivatives as alkylating agents: an amine/imine mediated activation approach

Herein, we describe a one-pot aminoalkylation of styrene derivatives with boronic acids (BAs) and boronic acid pinacol esters as radical precursors for the synthesis of complex secondary amines, in moderate to high yields through a mild and easily accessible organophotoredox-catalytic four-component reaction. Additionally, we report for the first time in a photoredox process, the activation of alkyl boronic acids derivatives by imines, which play a dual role in the reaction as both substrate and Lewis base activator. The protocol's applicability was greatly enhanced by its successful adaptation to photo-flow reactors.