Merging Photoredox PCET with Ni-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling: Cascade Amidoarylation of Unactivated Olefins

The integration of amidyl radicals with cross-coupling chemistry opens new avenues for reaction design. However, the lack of efficient methods for the generation of such radical species has prevented many such transformations from being brought to fruition. Herein, the amidoarylation of unactivated olefins by a cascade process from non-functionalized amides is reported by merging, for the first time, photoredox proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) with nickel catalysis. This new technology grants access to an array of complex molecules containing a privileged pyrrolidinone core from alkenyl amides and aryl- and heteroaryl halides in the presence of a visible light photocatalyst and a nickel catalyst. Notably, the reaction is not restricted to amides—carbamates and ureas can also be used. Mechanistic studies, including hydrogen-bond affinity constants, cyclization rate measurements, quenching studies, and cyclic voltammetry, were central to comprehend the subtleties contributing to the integration of the two catalytic cycles.