Visible-Light-Mediated C-N Cross-Coupling through Direct Sensitization of the Ni-BINAM Complex.

A visible-light-mediated C(sp2)-N bond forming coupling reaction has been developed to synthesize N,N-disubstituted arylamines from aryl bromides and aryl/aliphatic amines. This external photocatalyst-free approach proceeds via direct excitation of the in situ-formed Ni-BINAM complex. The reactions with aliphatic amines do not require the ligand BINAM, and the amine plays a dual role as a coupling partner and as a ligand to the Ni catalyst. Comprehensive HRMS and UV-vis studies provided insights into the structural features of the Ni-complex.