Photocatalytic C-H functionalization of nitrogen heterocycles mediated by a redox active protecting group

Herein, we report a photocatalytic strategy for the C−H functionalization of saturated azaheterocycles under mild conditions with only one equivalent of starting material. Our strategy is based on a redox active benzamide protecting group that is activated via a halogen-atom transfer (XAT) process to trigger the formation of an α-amino radical. This nucleophilic radical intermediate was then engaged in Giese additions and radical cross couplings to afford C−H alkylated and arylated products.