Photochemical C3-amination of pyridines via Zincke imine intermediates

While C–H functionalizations at C2 and C4 positions of pyridines are enabled by their inherent reactivities, selective derivatization at the C3 position has long posed a significant challenge. Here, the authors report a mild and regioselective method for C3-amination that relies on the photochemical reaction of Zincke imines with amidyl radicals generated from N-aminopyridinium salts.