Visible-light-driven formation of amines

The development of more efficient, selective and sustainable synthetic methods remains a major challenge in modern organic chemistry. In particular, the formation of carbon–nitrogen bonds from simple substrates continues to pose difficulties, as existing approaches often rely on pre-functionalisation steps and conditions that are not fully compatible with the principles of green chemistry

Ludovic Troian-Gautier (WEL Research Institute – UCLouvain) and his collaborators have developed a visible-light-driven photocatalytic alkylative amination strategy that enables the direct functionalisation of C–H bonds in carbonyl compounds. This method allows the controlled generation of reactive species without the use of harsh stoichiometric reagents. Applied to a variety of carbonyl compounds and amines, it exhibits broad functional group tolerance.

This visible-light-activated photocatalytic approach therefore represents a sustainable alternative to conventional methods and opens new perspectives for the synthesis of valuable amine-containing compounds, particularly in fine chemicals and pharmaceutical research.

Reference: Nair and al., Photocatalytic carbonyl alkylative amination via direct C–H functionalization, Chem Catalysis (2026), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.checat.2025.101582