Regioselective Aminomethylation and Benzylation of N-Heterocycles via Controllable Cleavage of Triazinanes under Ambient Conditions.

A site-selective reaction for the aminomethylation of imidazoheterocycles is developed using photoredox catalysis under mild conditions. A complementary metal free HFIP promoted reaction is also developed which gives corresponding anilines in good yields. Metal free conditions, scalability, less use of triazinanes, use of recyclable solvents, and ease of operation are the advantages of the developed protocol. Mechanistic studies were conducted to elucidate the mechanism underlying the alkylation reactions. Moreover, solvent recycling experiment has also been carried out to highlight the sustainability of the developed protocol.