Photochemical reactions of aromatic compounds and the concept of the photon as a traceless reagent

Enantioselective Lewis Acid Catalyzed ortho Photocycloaddition of Olefins to Phenanthrene-9-carboxaldehydes

Visible-light irradiation (λ=457 nm) enabled the enantioselective ortho photocycloaddition of olefins to phenanthrene-9-carboxaldehydes (15 examples, 46-93 % yield, 82-98 % ee). A chiral oxazaborolidine Lewis acid (20 mol %) was employed as the catalyst. It operates by coordination to the aldehyde inducing a bathochromic absorption shift beyond the nπ* absorption of the uncomplexed aldehyde. At long wavelengths the Lewis acid complex is exclusively excited; within the complex, one enantiotopic face of the aromatic aldehyde is efficiently shielded. Lewis acid coordination also alters the type selectivity and the simple diastereoselectivity of the photocycloaddition.

Functionalization of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Photoactive Materials

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are intriguing platforms with multiple functionalities. Additional functionalization of MOFs generates novel materials for various applications. Here, three main topics are examined regarding the functionalization of MOFs for use as photoactive materials. The first is chemical approaches for postsynthetic modification of the metal clusters and organic linkers in MOFs; that is, sites on pore surfaces and chemical trapping of photoactive moieties within the pores, which create materials with chemical functionalities for water splitting and CO₂ reduction by light. The second topic focuses on the functionalization of MOFs for photochemical response and the versatile applications of such materials. State-of-the-art research on functionalizing MOFs through photochemical reactions on the pore surface and within the pores as guests is also summarized. The third topic introduces the functionalization of MOFs for photofunctional materials, including photoluminescent tuning and integration, photoluminescent LED devices and barcodes, and photophysical applications for chemical sensing. Finally, conclusions and perspectives on the fields are given.

Photochemical Reaction Cascade from O-Pent-4-enyl-Substituted Salicylates to Complex Multifunctional Scaffolds

The arene ring of the title compounds is cleaved by a reaction cascade which is initiated by an intramolecular ortho photocycloaddition reaction. Tricyclic products were obtained in a highly regio- and diastereoselective fashion via a cyclooctatriene intermediate. The facial diastereoselectivity exerted by a stereogenic center in the tether is moderate to good (dr = 65/35 to 82/18). Yields were acceptable (44-87%) except for a single substrate which had a geminal dimethyl substitution in the tether and which gave the respective product in only 14% yield. The reaction is stereoconvergent with regard to the olefin configuration ( E or Z) in agreement with a triplet mechanism of the ortho photocycloaddition step.

Decatungstate Anion for Photocatalyzed "Window Ledge" Reactions

The majority of organic reactions are commonly carried out inside a lab, under a fume hood. A particular case is that of photochemical reactions, a field where the pioneering experiments by Giacomo Ciamician demonstrated more than one century ago that different processes can be carried out outdoors, for example, on the balcony of his own department, upon exposure of the reacting mixtures to sunlight. The main problem related to this chemistry of the "window ledge" is that most organic compounds are colorless and their absorption in the solar light region is in most cases negligible. Recently, the impressive development in the use of visible light absorbing photocatalysts (e.g., Ru^II or Ir^III complexes, as well as organic dyes) made light-induced processes convenient even for non-photochemistry practitioners. It is thus possible to easily perform the reactions by simply placing the reaction vessel in a sunny place outside the lab. However, most of these processes are based on single electron transfer (SET) reactions (photoredox catalysis). Other photocatalysts able to activate substrates via alternative paths, such as hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), are emerging. In the last years, we were deeply involved in the use of the decatungstate anion ([W₁₀O₃₂]^4-, a polyoxometalate) in synthesis. Indeed, such a versatile species is able to promote the photocatalytic C-H activation of organic compounds via either SET or HAT reactions. Interestingly, though the absorption spectrum of [W₁₀O₃₂]^4- does not extend into the visible region, it shows an overlap with solar light emission. In this Account, we provide an overview on the application of decatungstate salts as photocatalysts in window ledge chemistry. We initially discuss the nature of the photogenerated species involved in the mechanism of action of the anion, also supported by theoretical simulations. The first-formed excited state of the decatungstate anion decays rapidly to the active species, a dark state tagged wO, featuring the presence of electron-deficient oxygen centers. Next, we describe the main applications of decatungstate chemistry. A significant part of this Account is devoted to photocatalyzed synthesis (C-X bond formation, with X = C, N, O, and oxidations) carried out by adopting sunlight (or simulated solar light). This synthetic approach is versatile, and most of the reactions involved C-H activation in cycloalkanes, alkylaromatics, amides, ethers (1,4-dioxane, oxetane, benzodioxole, and THF), aldehydes, nitriles, and cyclopentanones, and the ensuing addition of the resulting radicals onto electron-deficient olefins. Finally, the increasing role of the decatungstate anion in water depollution and polymerization is briefly discussed.

Photochemical Approaches to Complex Chemotypes: Applications in Natural Product Synthesis

The use of photochemical transformations is a powerful strategy that allows for the formation of a high degree of molecular complexity from relatively simple building blocks in a single step. A central feature of all light-promoted transformations is the involvement of electronically excited states, generated upon absorption of photons. This produces transient reactive intermediates and significantly alters the reactivity of a chemical compound. The input of energy provided by light thus offers a means to produce strained and unique target compounds that cannot be assembled using thermal protocols. This review aims at highlighting photochemical transformations as a tool for rapidly accessing structurally and stereochemically diverse scaffolds. Synthetic designs based on photochemical transformations have the potential to afford complex polycyclic carbon skeletons with impressive efficiency, which are of high value in total synthesis.

Studies in organic and physical photochemistry - an interdisciplinary approach

Traditionally, organic photochemistry when applied to synthesis strongly interacts with physical chemistry. The aim of this review is to illustrate this very fruitful interdisciplinary approach and cooperation. A profound understanding of the photochemical reactivity and reaction mechanisms is particularly helpful for optimization and application of these reactions. Some typical reactions and particular aspects are reported such as the Norrish-Type II reaction and the Yang cyclization and related transformations, the [2 + 2] photocycloadditions, particularly the Paternò-Büchi reaction, photochemical electron transfer induced transformations, different kinds of catalytic reactions such as photoredox catalysis for organic synthesis and photooxygenation are discussed. Particular aspects such as the structure and reactivity of aryl cations, photochemical reactions in the crystalline state, chiral memory, different mechanisms of hydrogen transfer in photochemical reactions or fundamental aspects of stereoselectivity are discussed. Photochemical reactions are also investigated in the context of chemical engineering. Particularly, continuous flow reactors are of interest. Novel reactor systems are developed and modeling of photochemical transformations and different reactors play a key role in such studies. This research domain builds a bridge between fundamental studies of organic photochemical reactions and their industrial application.

Photoassisted Synthesis of Complex Molecular Architectures: Dearomatization of Benzenoid Arenes with Aza-o-xylylenes via an Unprecedented [2+4] Reaction Topology

A new method was developed for the photoinduced dearomatization of arenes through an intramolecular cycloaddition with aza-o-xylylenes generated by excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in the readily available photoprecursors. The [2+4] topology of this cycloaddition is unprecedented for photo-dearomatizations of benzenoid aromatic carbocycles. It provides rapid access to novel heterocycles, cyclohexadieno-oxazolidino-quinolinols, as valuable synthons for a broad range of post-photochemical transformations.

Solar Photochemical Synthesis: From the Beginnings of Organic Photochemistry to the Solar Manufacturing of Commodity Chemicals

Natural sunlight offers a cost-efficient and sustainable energy source for photochemical reactions. In contrast to the lengthy and small-scale "flask in the sun" procedures of the past, modern solar concentrator systems nowadays significantly shorten reaction times and enable technical-scale operations. After a brief historical introduction, this review presents the most important solar reactor types and their successful application in preparative solar syntheses. The examples demonstrate that solar manufacturing of fine chemicals is technically feasible and environmentally sustainable. After over 100 years, Ciamician's prophetic vision of "the photochemistry of the future" as a clean and green manufacturing methodology has yet to be realized. At the same time, his warning "for nature is not in a hurry but mankind is" is still valid today. It is hoped that this review will lead to a renewed interest in this truly enlightening technology, that it will stimulate photochemists and photochemical engineers to "go back to the roots onto the roofs" and that it will ultimately result in industrial applications in the foreseeable future.

Applications of Continuous-Flow Photochemistry in Organic Synthesis, Material Science, and Water Treatment

Continuous-flow photochemistry in microreactors receives a lot of attention from researchers in academia and industry as this technology provides reduced reaction times, higher selectivities, straightforward scalability, and the possibility to safely use hazardous intermediates and gaseous reactants. In this review, an up-to-date overview is given of photochemical transformations in continuous-flow reactors, including applications in organic synthesis, material science, and water treatment. In addition, the advantages of continuous-flow photochemistry are pointed out and a thorough comparison with batch processing is presented.

Photonic contacting of gas–liquid phases in a falling film microreactor for continuous-flow photochemical catalysis with visible light

A microstructured falling film reactor was applied to the dye-sensitized photochemical conversion of 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene to juglone for reactor and process evaluation.

Photochemically induced radical reactions with furanones

Radicals are easily generated via hydrogen transfer form secondary alcohols or tertiary amines using photochemical sensitization with ketones. They can subsequently add to the electron deficient double bond of furanones. The addition of the alcohols is particularly efficient. Therefore, this reaction was used to characterize and to compare the efficiency of different photochemical continuous flow microreactors. A range of micro-structured reactors were tested and their performances evaluated. The enclosed microchip enabled high space-time-yields but its microscopic dimensions limited its productivity. In contrast, the open microcapillary model showed a greater potential for scale-up and reactor optimization. A 10-microcapillary reactor was therefore constructed and utilized for typical R&D applications. Compared to the corresponding batch processes, the microreactor systems gave faster conversions, improved product qualities and higher yields. Similar reactions have also been carried out with electronically excited furanones and other α,β-unsaturated ketones. In this case, hydrogen is transferred directly to the excited olefin. This reaction part may occur either in one step, i.e., electron and proton are transferred simultaneously, or it may occur in two steps, i.e., the electron is transferred first and the proton follows. In the first case, a C–C bond is formed in the α position of the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound and in the second case this bond is formed in the β position. For the first reaction, the influence of stereochemical elements of the substrate on the regioselectivity of the hydrogen abstraction on the side chain has been studied.

Mechanisms and applications of cyclometalated Pt(ii) complexes in photoredox catalytic trifluoromethylation

The incorporation of a trifluoromethyl group into an existing scaffold can provide an effective strategy for designing new drugs and agrochemicals. Among the numerous approaches to trifluoromethylation, radical trifluoromethylation mediated by visible light-driven photoredox catalysis has gathered significant interest as it offers unique opportunities for circumventing the drawbacks encountered in conventional methods. A limited understanding of the mechanism and molecular parameters that control the catalytic actions has hampered the full utilization of photoredox catalysis reactions. To address this challenge, we evaluated and investigated the photoredox catalytic trifluoromethylation reaction using a series of cyclometalated Pt(ii) complexes with systematically varied ligand structures. The Pt(ii) complexes were capable of catalyzing the trifluoromethylation of non-prefunctionalized alkenes and heteroarenes in the presence of CF3I under visible light irradiation. The high excited-state redox potentials of the complexes permitted oxidative quenching during the cycle, whereas reductive quenching was forbidden. Spectroscopic measurements, including time-resolved photoluminescence and laser flash photolysis, were performed to identify the catalytic intermediates and directly monitor their conversions. The mechanistic studies provide compelling evidence that the catalytic cycle selects the oxidative quenching pathway. We also found that electron transfer during each step of the cycle strictly adhered to the Marcus normal region behaviors. The results are fully supported by additional experiments, including photoinduced ESR spectroscopy, spectroelectrochemical measurements, and quantum chemical calculations based on time-dependent density functional theory. Finally, quantum yields exceeding 100% strongly suggest that radical propagation significantly contributes to the catalytic trifluoromethylation reaction. These findings establish molecular strategies for designing trifluoromethyl sources and catalysts in an effort to enhance catalysis performance.

Photocatalytic fluoroalkylation reactions of organic compounds

Photocatalytic methods for fluoroalkyl-radical generation provide more convenient alternatives to the classical perfluoroalkyl-radical (R_f) production through chemical initiators, such as azo or peroxide compounds or the employment of transition metals through a thermal electron transfer (ET) initiation process.

Competing pathways in the photogeneration of didehydrotoluenes from (Trimethylsilylmethyl)aryl sulfonates and phosphates

The scope of the photochemical generation of α,n-didehydrotoluene diradicals from aryl sulfonates and phosphates and their chemistry are explored. The thermally inaccessible α,2- and α,4- intermediates are efficiently obtained by irradiation of ortho- and para-(trimethylsilylmethyl)phenyl triflates through heterolytic splitting of the ester anion from the substrate in the triplet state. Triplet phenyl cations are formed and the loss of trimethylsilyl cation from them affords the desired diradicals ((3) Me3 SiCH2 C6 H4 -OZ→(3) Me3 SiCH2 C6 H4 (+) →(⋅) CH2 C6 H4 (⋅)). Triplet sensitization is required, for which acetone is used throughout. Direct irradiation leads, on the contrary, to photo-Fries fragmentation ((1) Me3 SiCH2 C6 H4 O-Z→Me3 SiCH2 C6 H4 O(⋅) +Z(⋅)). With mesylates, where ester cleavage is less convenient, a further competition from the triplet is direct desilylation. Didehydrotoluenes are also obtained from the corresponding phosphates, although with poor efficiency.

Photochemical approach to functionalized benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octene structures via fused oxazoline derivatives from 4- and 5-(o-vinylstyryl)oxazoles

Novel cis/trans-4- and cis/trans-5-(2-vinylstyryl)oxazoles have been synthesized by Wittig reactions from the diphosphonium salt of α,α’-o-xylene dibromide, formaldehyde and 4- and 5-oxazolecarbaldehydes, respectively. In contrast, trans-5-(2-vinylstyryl)oxazole has been synthesized by the van Leusen reaction from trans-3-(2-vinylphenyl)acrylaldehyde which is prepared from o-vinylbenzaldehyde and (formylmethylene)triphenylphosphorane. The 4- and 5-(2-vinylstyryl)oxazoles afford, by photochemical intramolecular cycloaddition, diverse fused oxazoline-benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octadienes, which are identified and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The photoproducts formed are relatively unstable and spontaneously or on silica gel undergo oxazoline ring opening followed by formation of formiato- or formamido-benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octenone derivatives. On irradiation of 4-(2-vinylstyryl)oxazole small quantities of electrocyclization product, 4-(1,2-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)oxazole, are isolated and spectroscopically characterized.

Photochemical transformations accelerated in continuous-flow reactors: basic concepts and applications

Continuous-flow photochemistry is used increasingly by researchers in academia and industry to facilitate photochemical processes and their subsequent scale-up. However, without detailed knowledge concerning the engineering aspects of photochemistry, it can be quite challenging to develop a suitable photochemical microreactor for a given reaction. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of both technological and chemical aspects associated with photochemical processes in microreactors. Important design considerations, such as light sources, material selection, and solvent constraints are discussed. In addition, a detailed description of photon and mass-transfer phenomena in microreactors is made and fundamental principles are deduced for making a judicious choice for a suitable photomicroreactor. The advantages of microreactor technology for photochemistry are described for UV and visible-light driven photochemical processes and are compared with their batch counterparts. In addition, different scale-up strategies and limitations of continuous-flow microreactors are discussed.

Multidimensional reaction screening for photochemical transformations as a tool for discovering new chemotypes

We have developed an automated photochemical microfluidics platform that integrates a 1 kW high-pressure Hg vapor lamp and allows for analytical pulse flow or preparative continuous flow reactions. Herein, we will discuss the use of this platform toward the discovery of new chemotypes through multidimensional reaction screening. We will highlight the ability to discretely control wavelengths with optical filters, allowing for control of reaction outcomes.

Microflow photochemistry: UVC-induced [2 + 2]-photoadditions to furanone in a microcapillary reactor

[2 + 2]-Cycloadditions of cyclopentene and 2,3-dimethylbut-2-ene to furanone were investigated under continuous-flow conditions. Irradiations were conducted in a FEP-microcapillary module which was placed in a Rayonet chamber photoreactor equipped with low wattage UVC-lamps. Conversion rates and isolated yields were compared to analogue batch reactions in a quartz test tube. In all cases examined, the microcapillary reactor furnished faster conversions and improved product qualities.