Photoredox catalysis

Cross-coupling methodology for carbon-carbon and carbon-hetereoatom bond forming reactions has historically revolved around the use of thermal, two-electron catalytic processes. In the last several decaded, the use of alternative substrates, reactivity modes and energy sources have become highly attractive as orthogonal methodologies for cross-coupling reactions. Photoredox catalysis has emerged as a forerunner among these methodologies, utilising light in conjunction with ruthenium and iridium photocatalysts to produce useful cross-coupling synthons from amines, iminimes, carboxylic acids, and other functional groups.