Deoxygenative C( <i>sp</i> ³ )–N( <i>sp</i> ³ ) Cross-Coupling Enabled by Nickel Metallaphotoredox Catalysis

Metallaphotoredox catalysis has emerged as a powerful platform for generating high-energy radicals from native functionalities. This approach integrates radical reactivity with transition metal catalysis to enable controlled bond formation. However, the synthesis of tertiary amines remains a significant challenge due to their redox sensitivity under photoredox conditions and the inherent difficulty of C(<i>sp</i>³)-N(<i>sp</i>³) reductive elimination. Herein, we describe a deoxygenative C-N cross-coupling between alcohols and <i>N</i>-hydroxylamine esters to form tertiary amines. Oxidation of the tertiary amine products is kinetically suppressed under optimized conditions, while a sterically demanding ancillary ligand promotes reductive elimination. This methodology displays broad substrate scope, accommodating diverse functional groups, heterocycles, and pharmaceutical derivatives.