Photoinduced transition-metal and external photosensitizer free phosphonation of unactivated C(sp2)–F bond via SET process under mild conditions

Visible-light-induced synthesis of bibenzofuranones via a cerium-mediated energy transfer process

Benzofuran-3(2H)-one compounds are important bioactive molecules. Synthesis of bibenzofuranones from benzils via a radical cyclization-dimerization tandem process, efficiently constructing the C-O/C-C bonds and contiguous quaternary carbon centers in a single step was reported. This reaction exhibits high regioselectivity, affording bibenzofuranones in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. Mechanistic studies suggest that cerium sulfate serves as both an energy transfer reagent and an oxidant in this process.

Intermolecular C-C/C-N σ-bond metathesis enabled by visible light

Transition-metal-catalyzed double/triple bond metathesis reactions have been well-established due to the ability of transition-metal catalysts to readily interact with π bonds, facilitating the progression of the entire reaction. However, activating σ-bonds to induce σ-bond metathesis is more challenging due to the absence of π bonds and the high bond energy of σ bonds. In this study, we present a novel photo-induced approach that does not rely on transition metals or photosensitizers to drive C-C and C-N σ-bond metathesis reactions. This method enables the cross-coupling of tertiary amines with α-diketones via C-C and C-N single bonds cleavage and recombination. Notably, our protocol exhibits good compatibility with various functional groups in the absence of transition metals and external photosensitizers, resulting in the formation of aryl alkyl ketones and aromatic amides in good to high yields. To gain insights into the mechanism of this pathway, we conducted controlled experiments, intermediate trapping experiments, and DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations. This comprehensive approach allowed us to elucidate the detailed mechanism underlying this transformative reaction.

Generation and Application of Aryl Radicals Under Photoinduced Conditions

Photoinduced aryl radical generation is a powerful strategy in organic synthesis that facilitates the formation of diverse carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. The synthetic applications of photoinduced aryl radical formation in the synthesis of complex organic compounds, including natural products, physiologically significant molecules, and functional materials, have received immense attention. An overview of current developments in photoinduced aryl radical production methods and their uses in organic synthesis is given in this article. A generalized idea of how to choose the reagents and approach for the generation of aryl radicals is described, along with photoinduced techniques and associated mechanistic insights. Overall, this article offers a critical assessment of the mechanistic results as well as the selection of reaction parameters for specific reagents in the context of radical cascades, cross-coupling reactions, aryl radical functionalization, and selective C-H functionalization of aryl substrates.

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.

Visible-Light-Induced N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Single Electron Reduction of Mono-Fluoroarenes

Fluoroarenes are abundant and readily available feedstocks. However, due to the high reduction potentials of mono-fluoroarenes, their photoreduction remains a continuing challenge, motivating the development of efficient activation modes to address this issue. This report presents the blue light-induced N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed single electron reduction of mono-fluoroarenes for biaryl cross-couplings. We discovered that under blue light irradiation, NHC/tBuOK combination could construct powerful photoactive architectures to promote single electron transfer for C_aryl -F bond reduction via forming highly reducing NHC radical anion. Notably, the strategy was also successful to reduce C_aryl -O, C_aryl -N, and C_aryl -S bonds for biaryl cross-couplings.

Nickel-Catalyzed Defluorophosphonylation of Aryl Fluorides

A Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between aryl fluorides and dialkyl phosphonates [HP(O)(OR)₂] (R = secondary alkyl groups) in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide as a base is reported. The reaction converted various aryl fluorides into the corresponding aryl phosphonates even when electron-donating substituents were present on the aromatic ring. The combined experimental and computational studies suggested Ni-K⁺ cooperative action of a Ni(0) complex chelated with a strongly electron-donating ion-bridged dimeric phosphite ligand system [P(OR)₂O^-K⁺]₂ that facilitates turnover-limiting C-F bond oxidative addition of aryl fluorides.

Visible-light-induced cross-coupling of aryl iodides with hydrazones via an EDA-complex

A visible-light-induced, transition-metal and photosensitizer-free cross-coupling of aryl iodides with hydrazones was developed. In this strategy, hydrazones were used as alternatives to organometallic reagents, in the absence of a transition metal or an external photosensitizer, making this cross-coupling mild and green. The protocol was compatible with a variety of functionalities, including methyl, methoxy, trifluoromethyl, halogen, and heteroaromatic rings. Mechanistic investigations showed that the association of the hydrazone anion with aryl halides formed an electron donor–acceptor complex, which when excited with visible light generated an aryl radical via single-electron transfer.

Visible-light-induced catalyst-free cross-coupling of aryl iodides with hydrazones via single-electron-transfer was reported. The mechanistic investigations showed that the association of hydrazone anion with aryl iodides formed an EDA complex.

Recent advances in photochemical construction of aromatic C–P bonds via C–hetero bond cleavage

Photochemical C–P bond cross-coupling in aromatics via C–X (X = F, Cl, Br, I), C–N bond and C–O bond cleavages with/without photosensitizer were summarized in this review.

Visible-light-induced transition metal and photosensitizer free decarbonylative addition of amino-arylaldehydes to ketones

The decarbonylative-coupling reaction is generally promoted by transition metals (via organometallic complexes) or peroxides (via radical intermediates), often at high temperatures to facilitate the CO release. Herein, a visible-light-induced, transition metal and external photosensitizer free decarbonylative addition of benzaldehydes to ketones/aldehydes at room temperature is reported. Tertiary/secondary alcohols were obtained in moderate to excellent yields promoted by using CsF under mild conditions. The detailed mechanistic investigation showed that the reaction proceeded through photoexcitation–decarbonylation of the aldehyde to generate an aromatic anion, followed by its addition to ketones/aldehydes. The reaction mechanism was verified by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

A visible-light-induced, transition-metal and external photosensitizer free decarbonylative addition of benzaldehydes to ketones/aldehydes via anion intermediates at room temperature is developed.

Photoinduced transition-metal and external photosensitizer free cross-coupling of aryl triflates with trialkyl phosphites

Photoinduced phosphonation of aryl triflates with trialkyl phosphites via a tandem single-electron-transfer, C-O bond cleavage and Arbuzov rearrangement process in the absence of transition-metal and external photosensitizer is reported herein. The protocol features good functional group compatibility and mild reaction conditions, providing various aryl phosphates in good to high yields. Furthermore, this strategy allows the late-stage phosphonation of complex and biologically active compounds.