Visible-Light-Mediated Remote γ-C(sp3)-H Functionalization of Alkylimidates: Synthesis of 4-Iodo-3,4-dihydropyrrole Derivatives.

An efficient and environmentally friendly synthetic approach toward functionalized dihydropyrrole derivatives is reported. The developed protocol proceeds via chemoselective intramolecular N-C bond formation of alkylimidates through 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer from in situ generated imidate N-radicals. The major advantage of this designed strategy lies in the choice of starting materials, mild reaction conditions, high chemo- and diastereoselectivity, clean source of energy, and good functional group tolerance. Further, 4-iododihydropyrroles could be easily transformed into a variety of useful derivatives.