Electrochemical Activation of Diverse Conventional Photoredox Catalysts Induces Potent Photoreductant Activity*

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2021 Sep 20;60(39):21418-21425. doi: 10.1002/anie.202107169. Epub 2021 Aug 23.

Abstract

Herein, we disclose that electrochemical stimulation induces new photocatalytic activity from a range of structurally diverse conventional photocatalysts. These studies uncover a new electron-primed photoredox catalyst capable of promoting the reductive cleavage of strong C(sp2 )-N and C(sp2 )-O bonds. We illustrate several examples of the synthetic utility of these deeply reducing but otherwise safe and mild catalytic conditions. Finally, we employ electrochemical current measurements to perform a reaction progress kinetic analysis. This technique reveals that the improved activity of this new system is a consequence of an enhanced catalyst stability profile.

Keywords: electrophotocatalysis; kinetic analysis; radical anions; reductive cleavage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Electrochemical Techniques*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Photochemical Processes
  • Reducing Agents / chemistry*

Substances

  • Organic Chemicals
  • Reducing Agents