Nickel/Photoredox-Catalyzed Three-Component Dialkylation of Alkenes for the Synthesis of β-Amino Acid Derivatives

Abstract β-Amino acid-containing structures show important biological activity and are found widely in many pharmacologically active compounds; therefore, the development of efficient methods for the synthesis of β-amino acid derivatives has evoked considerable interest in the past decades. Herein, we report a nickel/photoredox-catalyzed synthesis of β-amino acid derivatives from readily available alkyl redox-active esters, alkenes, and α-silylamines. This reaction is characterized by a broad substrate scope, mild conditions, and excellent selectivity. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through a radical pathway.