Net-1,2-Hydrogen Atom Transfer of Amidyl Radicals: Toward the Synthesis of 1,2-Diamine Derivatives

• DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04376
• Publication Date: 2023-07-13T21:45:52Z
• Authors: Yonggang Jiang; Dongxiang Liu; Madeline E. Rotella; Guogang Deng; Zhengfen Liu; Wen Chen; Hongbin Zhang; Marisa C. Kozlowski; Patrick J. Walsh; Xiaodong Yang

Hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) processes are among the most useful approaches for the selective construction of C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds. 1,5-HAT with heteroatom-centered radicals (O•, N•) have been well established and are favored relative to other 1,n-HAT processes. In comparison, net 1,2-HAT processes have been observed infrequently. Herein, the first amidyl radicalls are reported that preferentially undergo a net 1,2-HAT over 1,5-HAT. Beginning with single electron transfer from 2-azaallyl anions to N-alkyl N-aryloxy amides, the latter generate amidyl radicals. The amidyl radical undergoes a net-1,2-HAT to generate a C-centered radical that participates in an intermolecular radical-radical coupling with the 2-azaallyl radical to generate 1,2-diamine derivatives. Mechanistic and EPR experiments point to radical intermediates. Density functional theory calculations provide support for a base-assisted, stepwise-1,2-HAT process. It is proposed that the generation of amidyl radicals under basic conditions can be greatly expanded to access α-amino C-centered radicals that will serve as valuable synthetic intermediates.