CdSe nanoplatelets as photocatalyst for organic photochemistry: Synthesis of amino acid derivatives by decarboxylative alkylation of aldimines

The application of CdSe nanoplatelets (NPLs) as heterogeneous photocatalyst in organic reactions was presented. In combine with 2,2′-bipyridine additive, NPLs effectively promote reductive alkylation of aldimines and produce amino acid derivatives. The NPLs were found robust in the reaction; recycled NPLs remain catalytically active in further use. Our results demonstrate that NPLs could serve as a novel class of photocatalysts for visible light-driven organic reactions.