Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2025

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
Published on: April 22, 2016
Thiol-Mediated α-Amino Radical Formation via Visible-Light-Activated Ion-Pair Charge-Transfer Complexes
Keishi Kohara1, Aaron Trowbridge1, Milo A Smith1
1Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom, CB2 1EW.
Abstract:
Visible-light-activated electron donor-acceptor complexes offer distinct reaction pathways for the synthesis of complex molecules under mild conditions. Herein, we report a method for the reductive generation of α-amino radicals via the reaction of a visible-light-activated ion-pair charge-transfer complex formed between an in situ-generated alkyl-iminium ion and a thiophenolate. This distinct activation mode is demonstrated through the development of a multicomponent coupling reaction to form substituted aminomethyl-cyclopentanes from secondary amines, cyclopropyl aldehydes, and alkenes. The operationally straightforward transformation displays broad scope and provides a means to generate cyclic amine-containing scaffolds from readily available feedstocks.
Related Concept Videos
Radical Formation: Homolysis
Radical Reactivity: Nucleophilic Radicals
Preparation and Reactions of Thiols
Radical Reactivity: Overview
Radical Formation: Addition
Similar to charge conservation in chemical reactions, spin conservation is implicit for radical reactions. Accordingly, the product formed must possess an...
Radical Formation: Overview
Radicals from spin-paired molecules:
Radicals can be obtained from spin-paired molecules either by homolysis or electron transfer. While two radicals are formed in the former, an electron is added in the...

![[DPEPhosbcpCu]PF6: A General and Broadly Applicable Copper-Based Photoredox Catalyst](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F59739.jpg&w=3840&q=50)