Electrochemistry and Photoredox Catalysis: A Comparative Evaluation in Organic Synthesis

BF3·OEt2 Catalyzed Cascade [4 + 2] Benzannulation of Vinyloxiranes with Coumarins to Construct Benzocoumarin Derivatives

A BF3·OEt2-catalyzed cascade cyclization reaction of vinyloxirane with coumarin is described, affording the benzocoumarin derivatives with moderate to excellent yields (72-92%). The reaction demonstrates exceptional substrate tolerance and has been extensively explored for its potential in drug development, including scale-up experiments, functional group transformations, and screening of the products for anticancer activity. Moreover, the reaction mechanism has been rigorously validated through intermediate trapping and control experiments. Additionally, this reaction represents the uncommon nonmetal catalyzed intermolecular cyclization of vinyloxiranes.

Photocatalytic systems: reactions, mechanism, and applications

The photocatalytic field revolves around the utilization of photon energy to initiate various chemical reactions using non-adsorbing substrates, through processes such as single electron transfer, energy transfer, or atom transfer. The efficiency of this field depends on the capacity of a light-absorbing metal complex, organic molecule, or substance (commonly referred to as photocatalysts or PCs) to execute these processes. Photoredox techniques utilize photocatalysts, which possess the essential characteristic of functioning as both an oxidizing and a reducing agent upon activation. In addition, it is commonly observed that photocatalysts exhibit optimal performance when irradiated with low-energy light sources, while still retaining their catalytic activity under ambient temperatures. The implementation of photoredox catalysis has resuscitated an array of synthesis realms, including but not limited to radical chemistry and photochemistry, ultimately affording prospects for the development of the reactions. Also, photoredox catalysis is utilized to resolve numerous challenges encountered in medicinal chemistry, as well as natural product synthesis. Moreover, its applications extend across diverse domains encompassing organic chemistry and catalysis. The significance of photoredox catalysts is rooted in their utilization across various fields, including biomedicine, environmental pollution management, and water purification. Of course, recently, research has evaluated photocatalysts in terms of cost, recyclability, and pollution of some photocatalysts and dyes from an environmental point of view. According to these new studies, there is a need for critical studies and reviews on photocatalysts and photocatalytic processes to provide a solution to reduce these limitations. As a future perspective for research on photocatalysts, it is necessary to put the goals of researchers on studies to overcome the limitations of the application and efficiency of photocatalysts to promote their use on a large scale for the development of industrial activities. Given the significant implications of the subject matter, this review seeks to delve into the fundamental tenets of the photocatalyst domain and its associated practical use cases. This review endeavors to demonstrate the prospective of a powerful tool known as photochemical catalysis and elucidate its underlying tenets. Additionally, another goal of this review is to expound upon the various applications of photocatalysts.

Reductive cyclodimerization of chalcones: exploring the "self-adaptability" of galvanostatic electrosynthesis

The "self-adaptability" of galvanostatic electrolysis was shown to assist a multistage unprecedented chemo- and diastereoselective electrochemically promoted cyclodimerization of chalcones. The process, all involving the reductive events, delivered densely functionalized cyclopentanes featuring five contiguous stereocenters (25 examples, yields of up to 95%, dr values up to >20 : 1). Dedicated and combined experimental as well as electrochemical investigation revealed the key role of a dynamic kinetic resolution of the aldol intermediate for the reaction mechanism.

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.

Activation of C-Br Bond of CBr4 and CBrCl3 Using 9-Mesityl-10-methylacridinium Perchlorate Photocatalyst

Herein, we report the activation of the C-Br bond of CBrX₃ (X = Cl, Br) using 9-mesityl-10-methylacridinium perchlorate as a visible-light (12W blue LED, 450-455 nm) photocatalyst for the synthesis of gem-dihaloenones from terminal alkynes. An electron transfer from CBrX₃ to Mes-Acr-MeClO₄ led to the formation of ^•+CBrX₃ which subsequently resulted in the intermediate ⁺CX₃. Next, C-C cross-coupling of ⁺CX₃ with terminal alkynes was the key path to obtain the gem-dihaloenones. Radical trapping experiments with TEMPO, BHT, and Stern-Volmer quenching studies helped to understand that the reaction proceeded via the SET mechanism.

Acridine yellow G (AYG) as a photo-induced electron transfer (PET) photocatalyst employed for the radical Michael–Mannich cyclocondensation of imines

A four-component domino Michael–Mannich cyclocondensation of amines, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylaes, and formaldehyde was utilized to develop a green technique for sans metal combination of polyfunctionalized dihydro-2-oxypyrroles. It involves visible light as an environmentally friendly power source and acridine yellow G (AYG) as a photo-induced electron transfer (PET) photocatalyst. The motivation behind this examination was to expand the utilization of a non-metal dye that is both reasonable and broadly accessible. Photochemically catalyzed AYG flaunts exceptional returns, energy effectiveness, and natural agreeableness, as well as extraordinary iota economy, efficient highlights, and comfort of purpose. Key abilities consist of an easy experimental setup, big substrate tolerance, finance-friendly, clean painting-up strategies within the absence of tedious separation techniques, and minimized the quantity of waste for each organic transformation. The type of yields is pretty uniform (85–97%, average 92.09%), and the shape of reaction times might be very speedy (15–30 min, average 21.59 min), and the factor stated inside the dialogue is that the method tolerates quite a number electron-donating and electron-withdrawing functional groups, while, however, giving extremely good yields. The response within the reason is insensitive to the person of the substituents. Subsequently, many compounds and natural factors can be followed over the course of time. Shockingly, gram-scale cyclization is conceivable, proposing that the strategy could be utilized in industry.

Methylene Blue as a Photo-Redox Catalyst: The Development Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran Scaffolds via a Single-Electron Transfer/Energy Transfer

In a green tandem reaction using aldehyde derivatives, malononitrile, and dimedone, a radical tandem Knoevenagel–Michael cyclocondensation reaction of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran scaffolds was developed. Using visible light as a sustainable energy source, methylene blue (MB⁺)-derived photo-excited state functions were employed in an aqueous solution as single-electron transfer (SET) and energy transfer catalysts. The range of yields is quite uniform (81–98%, average 92.18%), and the range of reaction time is very fast (2–7 min, average 3.7 min), and the point mentioned in the discussion is that the procedure tolerates a range of donating and withdrawing groups, while still giving very excellent yields. The reaction is fairly insensitive to the nature of the substituents. Research conducted in this project aims to develop a non-metallic cationic dye that is both inexpensive and widely available for more widespread use. In addition to energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, methylene blue also offers an excellent atom economy, time-saving features, and ease of use. As a result, a wide range of long-term chemical and environmental properties can be obtained. The turnover number and turnover frequency of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran scaffolds have been computed. Surprisingly, gram-scale cyclization is a possibility, implying that the technology may be applied in industries.

Red Light-Based Dual Photoredox Strategy Resembling the Z-Scheme of Natural Photosynthesis

Photoredox catalysis typically relies on the use of single chromophores, whereas strategies, in which two different light absorbers are combined, are rare. In photosystems I and II of green plants, the two separate chromophores P₆₈₀ and P₇₀₀ both absorb light independently of one another, and then their excitation energy is combined in the so-called Z-scheme, to drive an overall reaction that is thermodynamically very demanding. Here, we adapt this concept to perform photoredox reactions on organic substrates with the combined energy input of two red photons instead of blue or UV light. Specifically, a Cu^I bis(α-diimine) complex in combination with in situ formed 9,10-dicyanoanthracenyl radical anion in the presence of excess diisopropylethylamine catalyzes ca. 50 dehalogenation and detosylation reactions. This dual photoredox approach seems useful because red light is less damaging and has a greater penetration depth than blue or UV radiation. UV-vis transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that the subtle change in solvent from acetonitrile to acetone induces a changeover in the reaction mechanism, involving either a dominant photoinduced electron transfer or a dominant triplet-triplet energy transfer pathway. Our study illustrates the mechanistic complexity in systems operating under multiphotonic excitation conditions, and it provides insights into how the competition between desirable and unwanted reaction steps can become more controllable.

Regio- and Stereoselective Electrochemical Alkylation of Morita-Baylis-Hillman Adducts

Electrosynthesis is effectively employed in a general regio- and stereoselective alkylation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman compounds. The exposition of N-acyloxyphthalimides (redox-active esters) to galvanostatic electroreductive conditions, following the sacrificial-anode strategy, is proved an efficient and practical method to access densely functionalized cinnamate and oxindole derivatives. High yields (up to 80%) and wide functional group tolerance characterized the methodology. A tentative mechanistic sketch is proposed based on dedicated control experiments.

The development of Friedländer heteroannulation through a single electron transfer and energy transfer pathway using methylene blue (MB+)

The radical Friedländer hetero-annulation of 2-aminoaryl ketone and -methylene carbonyl compound was used to develop a green tandem approach for the metal-free synthesis of polysubstitutedquinolines. At room temperature in an ethanol solvent, photo-excited state functions generated from MB+ were used as single-electron transfer (SET) and energy transfer (EnT) catalysts, utilizing visible light as a renewable energy source in the air atmosphere. The purpose of this research is to increase the use of a nonmetal cationic dye that is both inexpensive and widely available. High yields, energy-effectiveness, high atom economy, time-saving features of the reaction, and operational simplicity, and the least amount of a catalyst are the benefits of this study. As a result, a wide range of ecological and long-term chemical properties are obtained. Polysubstitutedquinolines' turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) have been calculated. Surprisingly, such cyclization can be accomplished on a gram scale, indicating that the process has industrial potential.

The development of imin-based tandem Michael-Mannich cyclocondensation through a single-electron transfer (SET)/energy transfer (EnT) pathway in the use of methylene blue (MB+) as a photo-redox catalyst

A four-component green tandem approach for the metal-free synthesis of polyfunctionalized dihydro-2-oxypyrroles was devised using the Michael–Mannich cyclocondensation of amines, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylaes, and formaldehyde. Photo-excited state functions generated from methylene blue (MB⁺) were employed as single-electron transfer (SET) and energy transfer (EnT) catalysts at ambient temperature in an ethanol solvent, employing visible light as a renewable energy source in the air atmosphere. This study aims to increase the usage of a non-metal cationic dye that is both inexpensive and widely available. Methylene blue is photochemically produced with the least amount of a catalyst due to its high yields, energy-effectiveness, high atom economy, time-saving features of the reaction, and operational simplicity. As a result, a variety of ecological and long-term chemical features are achieved. Surprisingly, such cyclization can be done on a gram scale, implying that the process has industrial potential.

A four-component green tandem approach for the metal-free synthesis of polyfunctionalized dihydro-2-oxypyrroles was devised using the Michael–Mannich cyclocondensation of amines, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylaes, and formaldehyde.

Nitrogen-Centered Radicals in Functionalization of sp2 Systems: Generation, Reactivity, and Applications in Synthesis

The chemistry of nitrogen-centered radicals (NCRs) has plentiful applications in organic synthesis, and they continue to expand as our understanding of these reactive species increases. The utility of these reactive intermediates is demonstrated in the recent advances in C-H amination and the (di)amination of alkenes. Synthesis of previously challenging structures can be achieved by efficient functionalization of sp² moieties without prefunctionalization, allowing for faster and more streamlined synthesis. This Review addresses the generation, reactivity, and application of NCRs, including, but not limited to, iminyl, aminyl, amidyl, and aminium species. Contributions from early discovery up to the most recent examples have been highlighted, covering radical initiation, thermolysis, photolysis, and, more recently, photoredox catalysis. Radical-mediated intermolecular amination of (hetero)arenes can occur with a variety of complex amine precursors, generating aniline derivatives, an important class of structures for drug discovery and development. Functionalization of olefins is achievable in high anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity and allows access to difunctionalized structures when the intermediate carbon radicals are trapped. Additionally, the reactivity of NCRs can be harnessed for the rapid construction of N-heterocycles such as pyrrolidines, phenanthridines, quinoxalines, and quinazolinones.

Multicomponent reactions and photo/electrochemistry join forces: atom economy meets energy efficiency

Visible-light photoredox catalysis has been regarded as an extremely powerful tool in organic chemistry, bringing the spotlight back to radical processes. The versatility of photocatalyzed reactions has already been demonstrated to be effective in providing alternative routes for cross-coupling as well as multicomponent reactions. The photocatalyst allows the generation of high-energy intermediates through light irradiation rather than using highly reactive reagents or harsh reaction conditions. In a similar vein, organic electrochemistry has experienced a fruitful renaissance as a tool for generating reactive intermediates without the need for any catalyst. Such milder approaches pose the basis toward higher selectivity and broader applicability. In photocatalyzed and electrochemical multicomponent reactions, the generation of the radical species acts as a starter of the cascade of events. This allows for diverse reactivity and the use of reagents is usually not covered by classical methods. Owing to the availability of cheaper and more standardized photo- and electrochemical reactors, as well as easily scalable flow-setups, it is not surprising that these two fields have become areas of increased research interest. Keeping these in view, this review is aimed at providing an overview of the synthetic approaches in the design of MCRs involving photoredox catalysis and/or electrochemical activation as a crucial step with particular focus on the choice of the difunctionalized reagent.

Technological Innovations in Photochemistry for Organic Synthesis: Flow Chemistry, High-Throughput Experimentation, Scale-up, and Photoelectrochemistry

Photoinduced chemical transformations have received in recent years a tremendous amount of attention, providing a plethora of opportunities to synthetic organic chemists. However, performing a photochemical transformation can be quite a challenge because of various issues related to the delivery of photons. These challenges have barred the widespread adoption of photochemical steps in the chemical industry. However, in the past decade, several technological innovations have led to more reproducible, selective, and scalable photoinduced reactions. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of these exciting technological advances, including flow chemistry, high-throughput experimentation, reactor design and scale-up, and the combination of photo- and electro-chemistry.

Photons or Electrons? A Critical Comparison of Electrochemistry and Photoredox Catalysis for Organic Synthesis

Redox processes are at the heart of synthetic methods that rely on either electrochemistry or photoredox catalysis, but how do electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis compare? Both approaches provide access to high energy intermediates (e.g., radicals) that enable bond formations not constrained by the rules of ionic or 2 electron (e) mechanisms. Instead, they enable 1e mechanisms capable of bypassing electronic or steric limitations and protecting group requirements, thus enabling synthetic chemists to disconnect molecules in new and different ways. However, while providing access to similar intermediates, electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis differ in several physical chemistry principles. Understanding those differences can be key to designing new transformations and forging new bond disconnections. This review aims to highlight these differences and similarities between electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis by comparing their underlying physical chemistry principles and describing their impact on electrochemical and photochemical methods.

The Direct Decarboxylative N-Alkylation of Azoles, Sulfonamides, Ureas, and Carbamates with Carboxylic Acids via Photoredox Catalysis

Herein, we describe a method for the direct decarboxylative C-N coupling of carboxylic acids with a range of nitrogen nucleophiles. This platform employs visible-light-mediated photoredox catalysis and an iodine(III) reagent to generate carbocation intermediates directly from aliphatic carboxylic acids via a radical-polar crossover mechanism. A variety of C-N bond-containing products are constructed from a diverse array of nitrogen heterocycles, including pyrazoles, imidazoles, indazoles, and purine bases. Furthermore, sulfonamides, ureas, and carbamates can also be utilized as the nucleophile to generate a selection of N-alkylated products. Notably, a two-step approach to construct free amines directly from carboxylic acids is accomplished using Cbz-protected amine as the nucleophile.

Aminomethylation of Aryl Bromides by Nickel-Catalyzed Electrochemical Redox Neutral Cross Coupling

We develop an electrochemical nickel-catalyzed aminomethylation of aryl bromides under mild conditions. The convergent paired electrolysis makes full use of anode and cathode processes, free of a terminal oxidant, a sacrificial anode, a metal reductant, and a prefunctionalized radical precursor. In addition, this method exhibits wide functional group tolerance (63 examples), including some sensitive substituents and aromatic heterocycles. This redox neutral cross coupling provides a more environmentally friendly and synthetic practical protocol for forging C(sp²)-C(sp³) bonds.

Chlorinative Cyclization of Aryl Alkynoates Using NCS and 9-Mesityl-10-methylacridinium Perchlorate Photocatalyst

In a chlorinative cyclization, Mes-Acr-MeClO₄ acted as a visible-light photocatalyst to obtain 3-chlorocoumarins from aryl alkynoates and N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS). The radical initiated reaction proceeded in a cascading manner via Cl^- addition to alkynoates. Next, 5-exo-trig spirocyclization and subsequent 1,2-ester migration led to the formation of C-C and C-Cl bonds.

Can the Philicity of Radicals Be Influenced by Oriented External Electric Fields?

Herein, the effects of an electric field on radicals are investigated for a set of model radicals with varying complexity. An electric field impacts the intrinsic philicity of a radical, as quantified by the global electrophilicity index, ω. The extent of change in philicity depends on the directionality and strength of the applied electric field and the dipole moment and polarizability of the radical.

Mechanochemical-Cascaded C-N Cross-Coupling and Halogenation Using N-Bromo- and N-Chlorosuccinimide as Bifunctional Reagents

Exploration of alternative energy sources for chemical transformations has gained significant interest from chemists, and mechanochemistry is one of those sources. Herein, we report the use of N-bromosuccinimides (NBS) and N-chlorosuccinimides (NCS) as bifunctional reagents for a cascaded C-N bond formation and subsequent halogenation reactions. Under the solvent-free mechanochemical (ball-milling) conditions, the synthesis of a wide range of phenanthridinone derivatives from N-methoxy-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-carboxamides is accomplished. During the reactions, NBS and NCS first assisted the oxidative C-N coupling reaction and subsequently promoted a halogenation reaction. Thus, the role of NBS and NCS was established to be bifunctional. Overall, a mild, solvent-free, convenient, one-pot, and direct synthesis of various bromo- and chloro-substituted phenanthridinone derivatives was achieved.

Synthetic Molecular Photoelectrochemistry: New Frontiers in Synthetic Applications, Mechanistic Insights and Scalability

Synthetic photoelectrochemistry (PEC) is receiving increasing attention as a new frontier for the generation and handling of reactive intermediates. PEC permits selective single‐electron transfer (SET) reactions in a much greener way and broadens the redox window of possible transformations. Herein, the most recent contributions are reviewed, demonstrating exciting new opportunities, namely, the combination of PEC with other reactivity paradigms (hydrogen‐atom transfer, radical polar crossover, energy transfer sensitization), scalability up to multigram scale, novel selectivities in SET super‐oxidations/reductions and the importance of precomplexation to temporally enable excited radical ion catalysis.

A Photochemical Intramolecular C-N Coupling Toward the Synthesis of Benzimidazole-Fused Phenanthridines

Herein, we report a direct photochemical dehydrogenative C-N coupling of unactivated C(sp²)-H and N(sp²)-H bonds. The catalysts or additive-free transformation of 2-([1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole to benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-f]phenanthridine was achieved at ∼350 nm of irradiation via ε-hydrogen abstraction. DFT calculations helped to understand that the N-H···π interaction was essential for the reaction to proceed at a lower energy than expected.

Photoelectrochemical cross-dehydrogenative coupling of benzothiazoles with strong aliphatic C-H bonds

A photoelectrochemical strategy for the cross-dehydrogenative coupling of unactivated aliphatic hydrogen donors (e.g. alkanes) with benzothiazoles is reported. We used tetrabutylammonium decatungstate as the photocatalyst to activate strong C(sp3)-H bonds in the chosen substrates, while electrochemistry scavenged the extra electrons.

Synthesis of New Triazolopyrazine Antimalarial Compounds

A radical approach to late-stage functionalization using photoredox and Diversinate^™ chemistry on the Open Source Malaria (OSM) triazolopyrazine scaffold (Series 4) resulted in the synthesis of 12 new analogues, which were characterized by NMR, UV, and MS data analysis. The structures of four triazolopyrazines were confirmed by X-ray crystal structure analysis. Several minor and unexpected side products were generated during these studies, including two resulting from a possible disproportionation reaction. All compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (3D7 and Dd2 strains) and for cytotoxicity against a human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell line. Moderate antimalarial activity was observed for some of the compounds, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.3 to >20 µM; none of the compounds displayed any toxicity against HEK293 at 80 µM.

Recent Advances in Paired Electrosynthesis

Progress in electroorganic synthesis is linked to innovation of new synthetic reactions with impact on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery and to the desire to minimise waste and to provide energy-efficient chemical transformations for future industrial processes. Paired electrosynthetic processes that combine the use of both anode and cathode (convergent or divergent) with minimal (or without) intentionally added electrolyte or need for additional reagents are of growing interest. In this overview, recent progress in developing paired electrolytic reactions is surveyed. The discussion focuses on electrosynthesis technology with proven synthetic value for the preparation of small molecules. Reactor types are contrasted and the concept of translating light-energy driven photoredox reactions into paired electrolytic reactions is highlighted as a newly emerging trend.

Advances in Electrochemical Decarboxylative Transformation Reactions

Owing to their non-toxic, stable, inexpensive properties, carboxylic acids are considered as environmentally benign alternatives as coupling partners in various organic transformations. Electrochemical mediated decarboxylation of carboxylic acid has emerged as a new and efficient methodology for the construction of carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bonds. Compared with transition-metal catalysis and photoredox catalysis, electro-organic decarboxylative transformations are considered as a green and sustainable protocol due to the absence of chemical oxidants and strong bases. Further, it exhibits good tolerance with various functional groups. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent advances and discoveries on the electrochemical decarboxylative transformations on C-C and C-heteroatoms bond formations.

Electrohalogenation of organic compounds

In this review we target sp, sp² and sp³ carbon fluorination, chlorination, bromination and iodination reactions using electrolysis as a redox medium. Mechanistic insights and substrate reactivity are also discussed.

Electrochemically site-selective alkoxylation of twisted 2-arylbenzoic acids via spirolactonization

Twisted σ-biphenyl-2-carboxyl radicals show a significant spin density in the adjacent aryl ring, facilitating the spirocyclization. Electro-cross coupling with alcohols and isomerization provide a site-selective alkoxylation of 2-arylbenzoic acids.

Generation of aryl radicals by redox processes. Recent progress in the arylation methodology

Arylation methods based on the generation and use of aryl radicals have been a rapidly growing field of research in recent years and currently represent a powerful strategy for carbon – carbon and carbon – heteroatom bond formation. The progress in this field is related to advances in the methods for generation of aryl radicals. The currently used aryl radical precursors include aryl halides, aryldiazonium and diaryliodonium salts, arylcarboxylic acids and their derivatives, arylboronic acids, arylhydrazines, organosulfur(II, VI) compounds and some other compounds. Aryl radicals are generated under mild conditions by single electron reduction or oxidation of precursors induced by conventional reagents, visible light or electric current. A crucial role in the development of the radical arylation methodology belongs to photoredox processes either catalyzed by transition metal complexes or organic dyes or proceeding without catalysts. Unlike the conventional transition metal-catalyzed arylation methods, radical arylation reactions proceed very often at room temperature and have high functional group tolerance. Without claiming to be exhaustive, this review covers the most important advances of the current decade in the generation and synthetic applications of (het)aryl radicals. Examples of reactions are given and mechanistic insights are highlighted.

The bibliography includes 341 references.

Visible light-mediated applications of methylene blue in organic synthesis

This review presents the manipulation of methylene blue in visible-light-assisted organic synthesis.

Hole-mediated photoredox catalysis: tris(p-substituted)biarylaminium radical cations as tunable, precomplexing and potent photooxidants

Triarylamines are demonstrated as novel, tunable electroactivated photocatalysts that use dispersion precomplexation to harness the full potential of the visible photon (>4.0 V vs. SCE) in anti-Kasha photo(electro)chemical super-oxidations of arenes.

Mn(OAc)3-Mediated Addition Reactions of NaSO2CF3 and Perhalogenated Carboxylic Acids with Unactivated Alkenes Conjectured by a Single Electron Transfer and Halogen Abstraction Mechanism

A free-radical halotrifluoromethylation of olefins by using Mn(OAc)₃·2H₂O, CF₃SO₂Na, and perhalogenated carboxylic acids has been achieved. Perhalogenated carboxylic acids act as a halogen source and CF₃SO₂Na acts as a CF₃ source. The reaction displayed good tolerance of functional groups in the substrates under mild conditions. The radical clock experiment and TEMPO inhibition experiment support a radical process. The halogen reagent competition experiment shows that the last step of halogenation process is mainly through a halogen abstraction mechanism.

Emerging Concepts in Carbon Nitride Organic Photocatalysis

Carbon nitrides encompass a class of transition-metal-free materials possessing numerous advantages such as low cost (few Euros per gram), high chemical stability, broad tunability of redox potentials and optical bandgap, recyclability, and a high absorption coefficient (>10⁵  cm^-1 ), which make them highly attractive for application in photoredox catalysis. In this Review, we classify carbon nitrides based on their unique properties, structure, and redox potentials. We summarize recently emerging concepts in heterogeneous carbon nitride photocatalysis, with an emphasis on the synthesis of organic compounds: 1) Illumination-Driven Electron Accumulation in Semiconductors and Exploitation (IDEASE); 2) singlet-triplet intersystem crossing in carbon nitride excited states and related energy transfer; 3) architectures of flow photoreactors; and 4) dual metal/carbon nitride photocatalysis. The objective of this Review is to provide a detailed overview regarding innovative research in carbon nitride photocatalysis focusing on these topics.

Dithioacetalization or thioetherification of benzyl alcohols using 9-mesityl-10-methylacridinium perchlorate photocatalyst

We report herein the use of 9-mesityl-10-methylacridinium perchlorate as the visible-light photocatalyst for dithioacetalization or thioetherification of benzyl alcohols in one pot using aerial dioxygen as a terminal oxidant. EPR analysis and Stern-Volmer quenching studies helped to rationalize the single electron transfer (SET) mechanism.

New Redox Strategies in Organic Synthesis by Means of Electrochemistry and Photochemistry

As the breadth of radical chemistry grows, new means to promote and regulate single-electron redox activities play increasingly important roles in driving modern synthetic innovation. In this regard, photochemistry and electrochemistry-both considered as niche fields for decades-have seen an explosive renewal of interest in recent years and gradually have become a cornerstone of organic chemistry. In this Outlook article, we examine the current state-of-the-art in the areas of electrochemistry and photochemistry, as well as the nascent area of electrophotochemistry. These techniques employ external stimuli to activate organic molecules and imbue privileged control of reaction progress and selectivity that is challenging to traditional chemical methods. Thus, they provide alternative entries to known and new reactive intermediates and enable distinct synthetic strategies that were previously unimaginable. Of the many hallmarks, electro- and photochemistry are often classified as "green" technologies, promoting organic reactions under mild conditions without the necessity for potent and wasteful oxidants and reductants. This Outlook reviews the most recent growth of these fields with special emphasis on conceptual advances that have given rise to enhanced accessibility to the tools of the modern chemical trade.

Novel Methodologies for Chemical Activation in Organic Synthesis under Solvent-Free Reaction Conditions

One central challenge for XXI century chemists is the development of sustainable processes that do not represent a risk either to humanity or to the environment. In this regard, the search for more efficient and clean alternatives to achieve the chemical activation of molecules involved in chemical transformations has played a prominent role in recent years. The use of microwave or UV-Vis light irradiation, and mechanochemical activation is already widespread in many laboratories. Nevertheless, an additional condition to achieve "green" processes comes from the point of view of so-called atom economy. The removal of solvents from chemical reactions generally leads to cleaner, more efficient and more economical processes. This review presents several illustrative applications of the use of sustainable protocols in the synthesis of organic compounds under solvent-free reaction conditions.

Manufacturing chemicals with light: any role in the circular economy?

We outline how recent developments in photochemistry can contribute to the realization of the 1912 vision of the pioneering Italian scientist Giacomo Ciamician, namely world-wide chemical-using industry-based chemical plants fuelled solely by the Sun. We then show how a combination of organic photochemistry and flow chemistry could contribute to the circular economy by harnessing the ability of light to provide the energy to promote reactions without the need for some of the added reagents that are necessary in more traditional chemical routes, so-called 'reagentless' chemistry. Photochemistry has a long history but recently it has undergone a renaissance, particularly with the rise in interest in photoredox chemistry. Continuous photoreactors offer a route to scaling up such reactions to a productivity needed for smaller scale pharmaceutical manufacture. We describe some reactor designs from our own laboratory and outline some of their applications. We then relate these to the requirements of the circular economy and the need to conserve the stocks of the less abundant chemical elements. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Science to enable the circular economy'.

Synthetic Photoelectrochemistry

Photoredox catalysis (PRC) and synthetic organic electrochemistry (SOE) are often considered competing technologies in organic synthesis. Their fusion has been largely overlooked. We review state-of-the-art synthetic organic photoelectrochemistry, grouping examples into three categories: 1) electrochemically mediated photoredox catalysis (e-PRC), 2) decoupled photoelectrochemistry (dPEC), and 3) interfacial photoelectrochemistry (iPEC). Such synergies prove beneficial not only for synthetic "greenness" and chemical selectivity, but also in the accumulation of energy for accessing super-oxidizing or -reducing single electron transfer (SET) agents. Opportunities and challenges in this emerging and exciting field are discussed.

Bimolecular photoinduced electron transfer in non-polar solvents beyond the diffusion limit

Electron transfer (ET) quenching dynamics in non-polar solvents are investigated using ultrafast spectroscopy with a series of six fluorophore/quencher pairs, covering a driving force range of more than 1.3 eV. The intrinsic ET rate constants, k₀, deduced from the quenching dynamics in the static regime, are of the order of 10¹²-10¹³ M^-1 s^-1, i.e., at least as large as in acetonitrile, and do not exhibit any marked dependence on the driving force. A combination of transient electronic and vibrational absorption spectroscopy measurements reveals that the primary product of static quenching is a strongly coupled exciplex that decays within a few picoseconds. More weakly coupled exciplexes with a longer lifetime are generated subsequently, during the dynamic, diffusion-controlled, stage of the quenching. The results suggest that static ET quenching in non-polar solvents should be viewed as an internal conversion from a locally excited state to a charge-transfer state of a supermolecule rather than as a non-adiabatic ET process.

Electrochemically Catalyzed Newman-Kwart Rearrangement: Mechanism, Structure-Reactivity Relationship, and Parallels to Photoredox Catalysis

The facilitation of redox-neutral reactions by electrochemical injection of holes and electrons, also known as "electrochemical catalysis", is a little explored approach that has the potential to expand the scope of electrosynthesis immensely. To systematically improve existing protocols and to pave the way toward new developments, a better understanding of the underlying principles is crucial. In this context, we have studied the Newman-Kwart rearrangement of O-arylthiocarbamates to the corresponding S-aryl derivatives, the key step in the synthesis of thiophenols from the corresponding phenols. This transformation is a particularly useful example because the conventional method requires temperatures up to 300 °C, whereas electrochemical catalysis facilitates the reaction at room temperature. A combined experimental-quantum chemical approach revealed several reaction channels and rendered an explanation for the relationship between the structure and reactivity. Furthermore, it is shown how rapid cyclic voltammetry measurements can serve as a tool to predict the feasibility for specific substrates. The study also revealed distinct parallels to photoredox-catalyzed reactions, in which back-electron transfer and chain propagation are competing pathways.