Homogeneous Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis

摘要

Exploring conceptually new catalytic modes for chemo- and regioselective activation of small molecules and chemical bonds is a key feature of modern chemistry. In this regard, metal catalysis, organocatalysis, as well as biocatalysis have fascinatcd chemists for decades. Fundamental chemical transformations based on these three kinds of catalytic modes have been well established over the past century. These catalytic methods have also been widely applied to chemical industry for the synthesis of numerous useful compounds and materials. Despite advances, the search for sustainable and green methods for the preparation of fine chemicals is a highly desirable goal. During the last five years, homogeneous photorredox catalysis using visible light has emerged as a novel activation mode to advance these goals because of the inherent green chemistry features of visible light, including nonpollution and abundance. Currently, visible-light photo-redox catalysis is regarded as a flourishing research field thanks to the effectiveness of [Ru(bpy)3]~(2+) and similar metal polypyridyl complexes as well as organic dyes.