N-Hydroxyphthalimide: a new photoredox catalyst for [4+1] radical cyclization of N-methylanilines with isocyanides.

The first utilization of N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) as an organophotoredox catalyst is demonstrated by the [4+1] radical cyclization reaction of N-methylanilines with isocyanides. The protocol offers an operationally simple one-pot synthesis of 3-iminodihydroindoles at room temperature.