Oxidative Quenching-Enabled, NHC-Catalyzed Diastereoselective Aminoacylation of ( Z / E )-β-Methylstyrenes with Benzoyl Saccharin

Stereoconvergent difunctionalization of Z / E -mixed alkenes presents a fundamental challenge in organic synthesis. We herein report a dual NHC/photoredox catalytic system that addresses this challenge through oxidation of internal alkenes to radical cation intermediates. These activated species undergo a cascade sequence involving nucleophilic addition followed by radical–radical cross-coupling, achieving stereoconvergent aminoacylation of various Z / E -alkene mixtures and delivering β-amino ketones in high yields with exclusive diastereocontrol. The strategic implementation of benzoyl saccharin as a bifunctional reagent is crucial, serving simultaneously as an acyl radical precursor and a nucleophilic amine source. Mechanistic investigations establish the indispensable role of the saccharin moiety in governing diastereoselectivity. This work introduces a new paradigm for radical-mediated difunctionalization, significantly expanding access to stereodefined architectures from complex alkene feedstocks.