Anthraquinones as Photoredox Catalysts for the Reductive Activation of Aryl Halides

Isolated Neutral Organic Radical Unveiled Solvent-Radical Interaction in Highly Reducing Photocatalysis

Diffusion-limited kinetics is a key mechanistic debate when consecutive photoelectron transfer (conPET) is discussed in photoredox catalysis. In situ generated organic photoactive radicals can access catalytic systems as reducing as alkaline metals that can activate remarkably stable bonds. However, in many cases, the extremely short-lived transient nature of these doublet state open-shell species has led to debatable mechanistic studies, hindering adoption and development. Herein, we document the use of an isolated and stable neutral organic nPrDMQA radical as a highly photoreducing species. The isolated radical offers a unique platform to investigate the mechanism behind the photocatalytic activity of organic photocatalyst radicals. The involvement of reduced solvent is observed, formed by single electron transfer (SET) between the short-lived excited state nPrDMQA radical and the solvent. In our detailed mechanistic studies, spectroscopic and chemical affirmation of solvent reduction is strongly evident. Reduction of aryl halides, including difluoroarenes is presented as a model study of the conPET method. Further, the activation of N2O, a greenhouse gas that is yet to be activated by photoredox catalysis, is showcased in the absence of a transition metal.

A BOIMPY Dye Enables Multi-Photoinduced Electron Transfer Catalysis: Reaching Super-Reducing Properties

An established concept to create radical intermediates is photoexcitation of a catalyst to a higher energy intermediate, subsequently leading to a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) with a reaction partner. The known concept of consecutive photoinduced electron transfer (con-PET) leads to catalytically active species even higher in energy by the uptake of two photons. Generally speaking, increased photon uptake leads to a more potent reductant. Here, we report the concept of multi-photoinduced electron transfer catalysis (>2 photons), termed multi-PET, which is enabled by photoinduced one-electron reductions of an organic dye. Further irradiation of the doubly reduced species leads to a photoexcited dianionic super-reductant, which is more potent than Li metal - one of the strongest chemical reductants known. This multi-photon process which is enabled by 390 nm LEDs allows the cleavage of strong carbon-fluorine bonds and reduction of other halides even in very electron-rich substrates. The resulting radicals are quenched by hydrogen atoms or engaged in carbon-carbon and carbon-phosphorus bond formations, highlighting the utility of multi-PET for organic chemistry. In addition, multi-PET enabled Birch-type reductions. Spectroscopic, chemical and computational investigations are presented to gain mechanistic insights.

Light-assisted functionalization of aryl radicals towards metal-free cross-coupling

The many synthetic possibilities that arise when using radical intermediates, in place of their polar counterparts, make contemporary radical chemistry research an exhilarating field. The introduction of photocatalysis has helped tame aryl radicals, leading to a resurgence of interest in their chemistry, and an expansion of viable coupling partners and attainable transformations. These methods are more selective and safer than classical approaches, and they utilize new radical precursors. Given the importance of sustainability in current organic synthesis and our interest in light-assisted metal-free transformations, this Review focuses on recent advances in the use of aryl radicals in photoinduced cross-couplings that do not rely on metals for the crucial bond-forming event, and it is structured according to the key step that the aryl radicals engage in.

The natural herbicide rhein targets photosystem I

The natural anthraquinone rhein has been identified as a novel herbicide with a potentially new mode of action using a generative AI system for functional molecules discovery. Its herbicidal activity was light-dependent and resulted in rapid burndown symptoms on leaves of treated plants. Rhein interferes with photosynthesis by acting as an electron diverter at the level of photosystem I (PSI). The redox potential of rhein suggests that it accepts electrons between P700 and NADP+ of PSI. This is consistent with the redox potential of rhein that enables it to accept electrons from flavoproteins. Ferredoxin-NAPD+ reductase is a flavoprotein with a redox potential near that of rhein. Thus, it is currently hypothesized that rhein acts as an electron acceptor at or near the PSI Ferredoxin-NAPD+ reductase to form a radical and generate reactive oxygen species that drive the light-dependent herbicidal effect which is observed in treated plants from greenhouse trials.

Anthraquinones-based photocatalysis: A comprehensive review

In recent years, there has been significant interest in photocatalytic technologies utilizing semiconductors and photosensitizers responsive to solar light, owing to their potential for energy and environmental applications. Current efforts are focused on enhancing existing photocatalysts and developing new ones tailored for environmental uses. Anthraquinones (AQs) serve as redox-active electron transfer mediators and photochemically active organic photosensitizers, effectively addressing common issues such as low light utilization and carrier separation efficiency found in conventional semiconductors. AQs offer advantages such as abundant raw materials, controlled preparation, excellent electron transfer capabilities, and photosensitivity, with applications spanning the energy, medical, and environmental sectors. Despite their utility, comprehensive reviews on AQs-based photocatalytic systems in environmental contexts are lacking. In this review, we thoroughly describe the photochemical properties of AQs and their potential applications in photocatalysis, particularly in addressing key environmental challenges like clean energy production, antibacterial action, and pollutant degradation. However, AQs face limitations in practical photocatalytic applications due to their low electrical conductivity and solubility-related secondary contamination. To mitigate these issues, the design and synthesis of graphene-immobilized AQs are highlighted as a solution to enhance practical photocatalytic applications. Additionally, future research directions are proposed to deepen the understanding of AQs' theoretical mechanisms and to provide practical applications for wastewater treatment. This review aims to facilitate mechanistic studies and practical applications of AQs-based photocatalytic technologies and to improve understanding of these technologies.

Cobalt-Mediated Photochemical C-H Arylation of Pyrroles

Precious metal complexes remain ubiquitous in photoredox catalysis (PRC) despite concerted efforts to find more earth-abundant catalysts and replacements based on 3d metals in particular. Most otherwise plausible 3d metal complexes are assumed to be unsuitable due to short-lived excited states, which has led researchers to prioritize the pursuit of longer excited-state lifetimes through careful molecular design. However, we report herein that the C-H arylation of pyrroles and related substrates (which are benchmark reactions for assessing the efficacy of photoredox catalysts) can be achieved using a simple and readily accessible octahedral bis(diiminopyridine) cobalt complex, [1-Co](PF6)2. Notably, [1-Co]2+ efficiently functionalizes both chloro- and bromoarene substrates despite the short excited-state lifetime of the key photoexcited intermediate *[1-Co]2+ (8 ps). We present herein the scope of this C-H arylation protocol and provide mechanistic insights derived from detailed spectroscopic and computational studies. These indicate that, despite its transient existence, reduction of *[1-Co]2+ is facilitated via pre-assembly with the NEt3 reductant, highlighting an alternative strategy for the future development of 3d metal-catalyzed PRC.

Photo- and electro-chemical strategies for the activations of strong chemical bonds

The employment of light and/or electricity - alternatively to conventional thermal energy - unlocks new reactivity paradigms as tools for chemical substrate activations. This leads to the development of new synthetic reactions and a vast expansion of chemical spaces. This review summarizes recent developments in photo- and/or electrochemical activation strategies for the functionalization of strong bonds - particularly carbon-heteroatom (C-X) bonds - via: (1) direct photoexcitation by high energy UV light; (2) activation via photoredox catalysis under irradiation with relatively lower energy UVA or blue light; (3) electrochemical reduction; (4) combination of photocatalysis and electrochemistry. Based on the types of the targeted C-X bonds, various transformations ranging from hydrodefunctionalization to cross-coupling are covered with detailed discussions of their reaction mechanisms.

Substituent-Determined Intramolecular Hydrogen Transfer for Photopromoted Intermolecular Cycloaddition of Anthraquinones with Aryl Olefins

The formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds in anthraquinones makes them inert to photoinduced reactions; therefore, it is a great challenge to phototransform these compounds. Herein, we reported a formal visible-light-induced [4 + 2] cycloaddition of both 1-hydroxyanthraquinones and 1-aminoanthraquinones with olefins under external photocatalyst-free conditions with high regioselectivity. More than 60 substrates are disclosed, demonstrating the reliability of this protocol to construct diverse functionalized anthraquinone derivatives.

Electron-Poor Acridones and Acridiniums as Super Photooxidants in Molecular Photoelectrochemistry by Unusual Mechanisms

Electron-deficient acridones and in situ generated acridinium salts are reported as potent, closed-shell photooxidants that undergo surprising mechanisms. When bridging acyclic triarylamine catalysts with a carbonyl group (acridones), this completely diverts their behavior away from open-shell, radical cationic, 'beyond diffusion' photocatalysis to closed-shell, neutral, diffusion-controlled photocatalysis. Brønsted acid activation of acridones dramatically increases excited state oxidation power (by +0.8 V). Upon reduction of protonated acridones, they transform to electron-deficient acridinium salts as even more potent photooxidants (*E1/2 =+2.56-3.05 V vs SCE). These oxidize even electron-deficient arenes where conventional acridinium salt photooxidants have thusfar been limited to electron-rich arenes. Surprisingly, upon photoexcitation these electron-deficient acridinium salts appear to undergo two electron reductive quenching to form acridinide anions, spectroscopically-detected as their protonated forms. This new behaviour is partly enabled by a catalyst preassembly with the arene, and contrasts to conventional SET reductive quenching of acridinium salts. Critically, this study illustrates how redox active chromophoric molecules initially considered photocatalysts can transform during the reaction to catalytically active species with completely different redox and spectroscopic properties.

Electroreductive Radical Borylation of Unactivated (Hetero)Aryl Chlorides Without Light by Using Cumulene-Based Redox Mediators

Single-electron transfer (SET) plays a critical role in many chemical processes, from organic synthesis to environmental remediation. However, the selective reduction of inert substrates (Ep/2 <-2 V vs Fc/Fc+ ), such as ubiquitous electron-neutral and electron-rich (hetero)aryl chlorides, remains a major challenge. Current approaches largely rely on catalyst photoexcitation to reach the necessary deeply reducing potentials or suffer from limited substrate scopes. Herein, we demonstrate that cumulenes-organic molecules with multiple consecutive double bonds-can function as catalytic redox mediators for the electroreductive radical borylation of (hetero)aryl chlorides at relatively mild cathodic potentials (approximately -1.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl) without the need for photoirradiation. Electrochemical, spectroscopic, and computational studies support that step-wise electron transfer from reduced cumulenes to electron-neutral chloroarenes is followed by thermodynamically favorable mesolytic cleavage of the aryl radical anion to generate the desired aryl radical intermediate. Our findings will guide the development of other sustainable, purely electroreductive radical transformations of inert molecules using organic redox mediators.

Photoredox catalysis harvesting multiple photon or electrochemical energies

Photoredox catalysis (PRC) is a cutting-edge frontier for single electron-transfer (SET) reactions, enabling the generation of reactive intermediates for both oxidative and reductive processes via photon activation of a catalyst. Although this represents a significant step towards chemoselective and, more generally, sustainable chemistry, its efficacy is limited by the energy of visible light photons. Nowadays, excellent alternative conditions are available to overcome these limitations, harvesting two different but correlated concepts: the use of multi-photon processes such as consecutive photoinduced electron transfer (conPET) and the combination of photo- and electrochemistry in synthetic photoelectrochemistry (PEC). Herein, we review the most recent contributions to these fields in both oxidative and reductive activations of organic functional groups. New opportunities for organic chemists are captured, such as selective reactions employing super-oxidants and super-reductants to engage unactivated chemical feedstocks, and scalability up to gram scales in continuous flow. This review provides comparisons between the two techniques (multi-photon photoredox catalysis and PEC) to help the reader to fully understand their similarities, differences and potential applications and to therefore choose which method is the most appropriate for a given reaction, scale and purpose of a project.

Formation and degradation of strongly reducing cyanoarene-based radical anions towards efficient radical anion-mediated photoredox catalysis

Cyanoarene-based photocatalysts (PCs) have attracted significant interest owing to their superior catalytic performance for radical anion mediated photoredox catalysis. However, the factors affecting the formation and degradation of cyanoarene-based PC radical anion (PC^•‒) are still insufficiently understood. Herein, we therefore investigate the formation and degradation of cyanoarene-based PC^•‒ under widely-used photoredox-mediated reaction conditions. By screening various cyanoarene-based PCs, we elucidate strategies to efficiently generate PC^•‒ with adequate excited-state reduction potentials (E_red^*) via supra-efficient generation of long-lived triplet excited states (T₁). To thoroughly investigate the behavior of PC^•‒ in actual photoredox-mediated reactions, a reductive dehalogenation is carried out as a model reaction and identified the dominant photodegradation pathways of the PC^•‒. Dehalogenation and photodegradation of PC^•‒ are coexistent depending on the rate of electron transfer (ET) to the substrate and the photodegradation strongly depends on the electronic and steric properties of the PCs. Based on the understanding of both the formation and photodegradation of PC^•‒, we demonstrate that the efficient generation of highly reducing PC^•‒ allows for the highly efficient photoredox catalyzed dehalogenation of aryl/alkyl halides at a PC loading as low as 0.001 mol% with a high oxygen tolerance. The present work provides new insights into the reactions of cyanoarene-based PC^•‒ in photoredox-mediated reactions.

Construction of bi(hetero)aryls via dicyanopyrazine-mediated photochemical cross-coupling

A photochemical cross-coupling protocol towards bi(hetero)aryls has been developed. The coupling reactions were mediated by dicyanopyrazine photoredox catalyst, while a photoinduced disproportionation process has been identified as an accompanying mechanism, especially for pyrrole derivatives. The developed method allows the cross-coupling of five-membered rings such as pyrrole, imidazole, thiazole and oxazole as well as various diazines (pyridine and pyrimidine) and benzene derivatives. A plausible mechanism of the reaction has also been disclosed. The practical application and relevance of the developed method were demonstrated by constructing an atorvastatin core or by the gradual functionalization of benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole. In total, twenty-one bi(hetero)aryls were prepared in yields ranging from 19 to 95%.

Alkaline Earth Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on Tetratopic Anthraquinone-Based Linkers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photochemical Applications

A tetratopic bis(diphenylamino)anthraquinone linker is presented, and its physicochemical properties are evaluated. The linker is shown to successfully coordinate alkaline earth metals leading to four new reported metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which have been fully characterized, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The physicochemical and emissive properties of the MOF materials are investigated and compared to those of the uncoordinated ligand. Finally, the catalytic behavior of the ligand and the MOF materials toward the photooxidation of sulfides is described.

Visible-Light Photocatalytic Reduction of Aryl Halides as a Source of Aryl Radicals

Aryl- and heteroaryl units are present in a wide variety of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and functional materials. The method for reduction of aryl halides with ubiquitous distribution is highly sought after for late-stage construction of various aromatic compounds. The visible-light-driven reduction of aryl halides to aryl radicals by electron transfer provides an efficient, simple, and environmentally friendly method for the construction of aromatic compounds. This review summarizes the recent progress in the generation of aryl radicals by visible-light-driven reduction of aryl halides with metal complexes, organic compounds, semiconductors as catalysts, and alkali-assisted reaction system. The ability and mechanism of reduction of aromatic halides in various visible light induced systems are summarized, intending to illustrate a comprehensive introduction of this research topic to the readers.

Tuning Deazaflavins Towards Highly Potent Reducing Photocatalysts Guided by Mechanistic Understanding - Enhancement of the Key Step by the Internal Heavy Atom Effect

Deazaflavins are well suited for reductive chemistry acting via a consecutive photo-induced electron transfer, in which their triplet state and semiquinone - the latter is formed from the former after electron transfer from a sacrificial electron donor - are key intermediates. Guided by mechanistic investigations aiming to increase intersystem crossing by the internal heavy atom effect and optimising the concentration conditions to avoid unproductive excited singlet reactions, we synthesised 5-aryldeazaflavins with Br or Cl substituents on different structural positions via a three-component reaction. Bromination of the deazaisoalloxazine core leads to almost 100 % triplet yield but causes photo-instability and enhances unproductive side reactions. Bromine on the 5-phenyl group in ortho position does not affect the photostability, increases the triplet yield, and allows its efficient usage in the photocatalytic dehalogenation of bromo- and chloroarenes with electron-donating methoxy and alkyl groups even under aerobic conditions. Reductive powers comparable to lithium are achieved.

A One-Pot Approach for Bio-Based Arylamines via a Combined Photooxidative Dearomatization-Rearomatization Strategy

The synthesis of arylamines from renewable resources under mild reaction conditions is highly desired for the sustainability of the chemical industry, where the production of hazardous waste is a prime concern. However, to date, there are very few tools in chemists' toolboxes that are able to produce arylamines in a sustainable manner. Herein, a robust one-pot approach for constructing bio-based arylamines via a combined photooxidative dearomatization-rearomatization strategy is presented. The developed methodology enables the synthesis of structurally complex amines in moderate-to-good isolated yields using biomass-derived phenols, natural α-amino acids, and naphthols under remarkably mild reaction conditions. For the photooxygenation of phenols, a novel chrysazine-based catalyst system was introduced, demonstrating its efficiency for the synthesis of natural products - hallerone, rengyolone, and the pharmaceutically relevant prodrug DHED.

Photochemical C-H arylation of heteroarenes for DNA-encoded library synthesis

DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology has emerged as a time- and cost-efficient technique for the identification of therapeutic candidates in the pharmaceutical industry. Although several reaction classes have been successfully validated in DEL environments, there remains a paucity of DNA-compatible reactions that harness building blocks (BBs) from readily available substructures bearing multifunctional handles for further library diversification under mild, dilute, and aqueous conditions. In this study, the direct C-H carbofunctionalization of medicinally-relevant heteroarenes can be accomplished via the photoreduction of DNA-conjugated (hetero)aryl halides to deliver reactive aryl radical intermediates in a regulated fashion within minutes of blue light illumination. A broad array of electron-rich and electron-poor heteroarene scaffolds undergo transformation in the presence of sensitive functional groups.

Transition-metal-free synthesis of trifluoromethylated benzoxazines via a visible-light-promoted tandem difunctionalization of o-vinylanilides with trifluoromethylsulfinate

A Umemoto's reagent-free and cost-effective method for synthesis of trifluoromethylated benzoxazines by 9,10-phenanthrenedione visible-light photocatalysis is described in this article.

Highly Efficient Production of Heteroarene Phosphonates by Dichromatic Photoredox Catalysis

A new strategy to achieve efficient aerobic phosphorylation of five-membered heteraroenes with excellent yields using dichromatic photoredox catalysis in a gel-based nanoreactor is described here. The procedure involves visible aerobic irradiation (cold white LEDs) of a mixture containing the heteroarene halide, trisubstituted phospite, N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) as sacrificial agent, and catalytic amounts of 9,10-dicyanoanthracene (DCA) in the presence of an adequate gelator, which permits a faster process than at the homogeneous phase. The methodology, which operates by a consecutive photoinduced electron transfer (ConPET) mechanism, has been successfully applied to the straightforward and clean synthesis of a number of different heteroarene (furan, thiophene, selenophene, pyrrole, oxazole, or thioxazole) phosphonates, extending to the late-stage phosphonylation of the anticoagulant rivaroxaban. Strategically, employment of cold white light is critical since it provides both selective wavelengths for exciting first DCA (blue region) and subsequently its corresponding radical anion DCA^•- (green region). The resultant strongly reducing excited agent DCA^•-* is capable of even activate five-membered heteroarene halides (Br, Cl) with high reduction potentials (∼-2.7 V) to effect the C(sp²)-P bond formation. Spectroscopic and thermodynamic studies have supported the proposed reaction mechanism. Interestingly, the rate of product formation has been clearly enhanced in gel media because reactants can be presumably localized not only in the solvent pools but also through to the fibers of the viscoelastic gel network. This has been confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy images where a marked densification of the network has been observed, modifying its fibrillary morphology. Finally, rheological measurements have shown the resistance of the gel network to the incorporation of the reactants and the formation of the desired products.

Photoredox-mediated hydroalkylation and hydroarylation of functionalized olefins for DNA-encoded library synthesis

DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology features a time- and cost-effective interrogation format for the discovery of therapeutic candidates in the pharmaceutical industry. To develop DEL platforms, the implementation of water-compatible transformations that facilitate the incorporation of multifunctional building blocks (BBs) with high C(sp3) carbon counts is integral for success. In this report, a decarboxylative-based hydroalkylation of DNA-conjugated trifluoromethyl-substituted alkenes enabled by single-electron transfer (SET) and subsequent hydrogen atom termination through electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex activation is detailed. In a further photoredox-catalyzed hydroarylation protocol, the coupling of functionalized, electronically unbiased olefins is achieved under air and within minutes of blue light irradiation through the intermediacy of reactive (hetero)aryl radical species with full retention of the DNA tag integrity. Notably, these processes operate under mild reaction conditions, furnishing complex structural scaffolds with a high density of pendant functional groups.

Electro-mediated PhotoRedox Catalysis for Selective C(sp3 )-O Cleavages of Phosphinated Alcohols to Carbanions

We report a novel example of electro-mediated photoredox catalysis (e-PRC) in the reductive cleavage of C(sp3 )-O bonds of phosphinated alcohols to alkyl carbanions. As well as deoxygenations, olefinations are reported which are E-selective and can be made Z-selective in a tandem reduction/photosensitization process where both steps are photoelectrochemically promoted. Spectroscopy, computation, and catalyst structural variations reveal that our new naphthalene monoimide-type catalyst allows for an intimate dispersive precomplexation of its radical anion form with the phosphinate substrate, facilitating a reactivity-determining C(sp3 )-O cleavage. Surprisingly and in contrast to previously reported photoexcited radical anion chemistries, our conditions tolerate aryl chlorides/bromides and do not give rise to Birch-type reductions.

Unveiling Extreme Photoreduction Potentials of Donor-Acceptor Cyanoarenes to Access Aryl Radicals from Aryl Chlorides

Since the seminal work of Zhang in 2016, donor-acceptor cyanoarene-based fluorophores, such as 1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN), have been widely applied in photoredox catalysis and used as excellent metal-free alternatives to noble metal Ir- and Ru-based photocatalysts. However, all the reported photoredox reactions involving this chromophore family are based on harnessing the energy from a single visible light photon, with a limited range of redox potentials from -1.92 to +1.79 V vs SCE. Here, we document the unprecedented discovery that this family of fluorophores can undergo consecutive photoinduced electron transfer (ConPET) to achieve very high reduction potentials. One of the newly synthesized catalysts, 2,4,5-tri(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-6-(ethyl(phenyl)amino)isophthalonitrile (3CzEPAIPN), possesses a long-lived (12.95 ns) excited radical anion form, 3CzEPAIPN^•-*, which can be used to activate reductively recalcitrant aryl chlorides (E_red ≈ -1.9 to -2.9 V vs SCE) under mild conditions. The resultant aryl radicals can be engaged in synthetically valuable aromatic C-B, C-P, and C-C bond formation to furnish arylboronates, arylphosphonium salts, arylphosphonates, and spirocyclic cyclohexadienes.

Visible-Light Photocatalytic Oxidation of DMSO for RAFT Polymerization†

The solvent is an important, yet often forgotten part of a reaction mechanism. Many photochemical polymerizations are carried out using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a way to promote the solubility of both the reactants and products, but its reactivity is rarely considered when initiation mechanisms are proposed. Herein, the oxidation of DMSO by an excited-state quinone is used to form initiating radicals resulting in the polymerization of methacrylate monomers, and the polymerization can be controlled with the addition of a chain transfer agent. This process leads to the formation of polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution, and the polymerization is able to be carried out in the presence of oxygen. A visible light absorbing substituted anthraquinone is synthesized, and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy is used to monitor the intermediates involved in the initiation mechanism. Photoproduct analysis indicates formation of methyl radicals as a result of DMSO oxidation. Furthermore, we show that the solvent outcompetes the chain transfer agent for interacting with the excited-state anthraquinone. These observations have a broad impact on photoinduced polymerizations performed in DMSO as many photocatalysts are strong oxidants in the excited state and are capable of reacting with the solvent. Therefore, the role of the solvent needs to be more carefully considered when proposing mechanisms for photoinduced polymerizations in DMSO.

Structures and Chromogenic Ion-Pair Recognition of a Catechol-Functionalized 1,8-Anthraquinone Macrocycle in Dimethyl Sulfoxide

A lariat anthraquinone macrocycle functionalized with catechol (H₂L) was synthesized via the Mannich reaction. The Mannich base H₂L can be partially decomposed into L1·3H₂O and HL1·NO₃·2H₂O in the presence of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide/Al(NO₃)₃·9H₂O in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Free L1·3H₂O is essentially coplanar, while protonated HL1·NO₃·2H₂O is highly distorted. Dark-green FeCl₃·H₂L·2H₂O powder and Fe₂(HL)₂Cl₄ crystal can be isolated from ethanol (C₂H₅OH) in high/low H₂L concentration. Anthraquinone in H₂L is essentially coplanar but distorted in Fe₂(HL)₂Cl₄. The Fe(III) ion in Fe₂(HL)₂Cl₄ adopts a less common five-coordination with three catecholate O and two Cl atoms in the dimer. The distortion of inbound C═O is much higher than that of outbound C═O in anthraquinone in all of these compounds. H₂L responds to chlorides of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Al³⁺ in a DMSO solution, which can be observed by differential pulse voltammetry, UV-vis, and ¹H NMR. All of these metal ions shift E_p of anthraquinone to positive, especially the second reduction peak of anthraquinone. Fe³⁺, Zn²⁺, and Al³⁺ change the reduction of catechol fundamentally. H₂L (0.50 mM) shows a chromogenic response to FeCl₃ and Fe(NO₃)₃ to form uncommon 2:1 and 3:2 (H₂L/Fe) complexes, both peaking at 748 nm in DMSO. In the presence of 2 equiv of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the 748 nm absorbance shifts to 777 nm, identical with Fe₂(HL)₂Cl₄ in DMSO. Different from the fast reaction between H₂L and FeCl₃, Fe(NO₃)₃ reacts with H₂L rather slowly in DMSO. Catechol can coordinate to FeCl₃ without any deprotonation in C₂H₅OH and DMSO. H₂L also shows a chromogenic response to fluorides and hydroxides, which peak at 670 and 684 nm, respectively, in DMSO. The binding ratio between H₂L and F^-/OH^- is 1:2. In a higher concentration of hydroxides, a 684 nm greenish-blue 1:2 complex forms immediately, which gradually transforms to a red complex and peaks at ∼530 nm in minutes at room temperature. No color change can be observed in an C₂H₅OH solution in the presence of OH^-.

Unveiling Potent Photooxidation Behavior of Catalytic Photoreductants

We describe a photocatalytic system that reveals latent photooxidant behavior from one of the most reducing conventional photoredox catalysts, N-phenylphenothiazine (PTH). This aerobic photochemical reaction engages difficult to oxidize feedstocks, such as benzene, in C(sp²)-N coupling reactions through direct oxidation. Mechanistic studies are consistent with activation of PTH via photooxidation and with Lewis acid cocatalysts scavenging inhibitors inextricably formed in this process.

Excited State Anions in Organic Transformations

Utilizing light is a smart way to fuel chemical transformations as it allows the energy to be selectively focused on certain molecules. Many reactions involving electronically excited species proceed via open-shell intermediates, which offer novel and unique routes to expand the hitherto used synthetic toolbox in organic chemistry. The direct conversion of non-prefunctionalized, less activated compounds is a highly desirable goal to pave the way towards more sustainable and atom-economic chemical processes. Photoexcited closed-shell anions have been shown to reach extreme potentials in single electron transfer reactions and reveal unusual excited-state reactivity. It is, therefore, surprising that their use as a reagent or photocatalyst is limited to a few examples. In this Review, we briefly discuss the characteristics of anionic photochemistry, highlight pioneering work, and show recent progress which has been made by utilizing photoexcited anionic species in organic synthesis.

Recent advances in visible-light photocatalytic deuteration reactions

The recent advances in visible-light photocatalytic deuteration of X–H, C–halogen, CC, and other bonds for the synthesis of deuterium-labeled organic molecules have been summarized according to the type of bond deuterated in the reactions.

Generation of Carbocations under Photoredox Catalysis: Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution with 1-Fluoroalkylbenzyl Bromides

A novel Friedel-Crafts-type alkylation of arenes to access valuable 1-fluoroalkyl-1,1-biaryl compounds is established under mild conditions. The key to success is the efficient generation of a destabilized benzylic carbocation intermediate via two consecutive single-electron transfer processes by virtue of visible-light photoredox catalysis. This unique activation pattern avoids using strong Lewis acids and high temperatures that are required for generation of destabilized carbocations in traditional Friedel-Crafts reactions. This protocol demonstrates the first example of photoredox-catalyzed heterolysis of electronically deactivated benzylic C-Br bonds for the formation of destabilized carbocation intermediates.

Amphiphilic Polymeric Nanoparticles for Photoredox Catalysis in Water

Photoredox catalysis has recently emerged as a powerful synthesis tool in organic and polymer chemistry. In contrast to the great achievements realized in organic solvents, performing photocatalytic processes efficiently in aqueous media encounters several challenges. Here, it is presented how amphiphilic single-chain polymeric nanoparticles (SCPNs) can be utilized as small reactors to conduct light-driven chemical reactions in water. By incorporating a phenothiazine (PTH) catalyst into the polymeric scaffold, metal-free reduction and C-C cross-coupling reactions can be carried out upon exposure to UV light under ambient conditions. The versatility of this approach is underlined by a large substrate scope, tolerance towards oxygen, and excellent recyclability. This approach thereby contributes to a sustainable and green way of implementing photoredox catalysis.