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 styrenederivativeswith boronic acids (BAs) and boronic acid pinacol esters as radicalprecursors for the synthesis of complex secondary amines in moderateto high yields through a mild and easily accessible organophotoredox-catalyticfour-component reaction. Additionally, we report for the first timein a photoredox process the activation of alkyl boronic acid derivativesby imines, which play a dual role in the reaction as both substrateand Lewis base activator. The protocol applicability was greatly enhancedby its successful adaptation to photoflow reactors.