Catalytic N-alkylation is a frequently employed method to synthesize secondary amines and imines, yet selectivity control remains as a challenge that normally requires specialized catalysts under harsh reaction conditions. Here we propose a light-switchable N-alkylation of amines with aromatic halides for selective synthesis of secondary amines and imines, using an amine-functionalized metal-organic framework (MIL-125-NH2) under mild conditions. The MIL-125-NH2 catalyst possesses Lewis acidic sites, which catalyze direct dehalogenative condensation of bromides with primary amines to produce secondary amines in the dark. Upon irradiation, the MIL-125-NH2 reduces molecular oxygen to create oxygen radicals, converting bromides into the corresponding aldehydes to yield imines via a dehydrative coupling with amines. With appropriate acidity, rapid oxygen reduction kinetics, and optimized adsorption of aromatic bromides and generated water, the system catalyzes the conversion of a wide range of substrates, thus featuring it a promising method for applications.
