Photocatalyzed Reductive Ring-Opening of γ-(2-Chloroaziridinyl)acrylates Using Dihydropyridines: Access to ( <i>Z</i> )-Chloroalkene Dipeptide Isosteres

Herein, we report a visible-light photoredox-catalyzed reductive ring-opening of γ-(2-chloroaziridinyl)acrylates using Hantzsch esters, providing catalytic access to ( Z )-chloroalkene dipeptide isosteres (CADIs). The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with high Z-selectivity and broad functional group tolerance, affording Xaa–Gly-type ( Z )-CADIs that mimic the trans -amide geometry. Furthermore, the use of 4-alkyl Hantzsch esters enables direct access to CADIs bearing α-alkyl substituents. This method provides an alternative to conventional organocuprate-mediated CADI synthesis.