Enantioselective Synthesis of N-Benzylic Heterocycles: A Nickel and Photoredox Dual Catalysis Approach.

Reported herein is a dual nickel- and photoredox-catalyzed modular approach for the preparation of enantioenriched N-benzylic heterocycles. α-Heterocyclic carboxylic acids, easily obtainable from common commercial material, are reported as suitable substrates for a decarboxylative strategy in conjunction with a chiral pyridine-oxazoline (PyOx) ligand, providing quick access to enantioenriched drug-like products. The presence of a directing group on the heterocyclic moiety is shown to be beneficial, affording improved stereoselectivity in a number of cases.