Volume 58, Issue 12 pp. 3730-3747
Review
Free Access

Mechanistic Studies in Photocatalysis

Luca Buzzetti

Luca Buzzetti

ICIQ—Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Avenida Països Catalans 16, 43007 Tarragona, Spain

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Dr. Giacomo E. M. Crisenza

Dr. Giacomo E. M. Crisenza

ICIQ—Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Avenida Països Catalans 16, 43007 Tarragona, Spain

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Prof. Dr. Paolo Melchiorre

Corresponding Author

Prof. Dr. Paolo Melchiorre

ICIQ—Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Avenida Països Catalans 16, 43007 Tarragona, Spain

ICREA—Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain

IIT—Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Laboratory of Asymmetric Catalysis and Photochemistry, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy

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First published: 19 October 2018
Citations: 759

Graphical Abstract

Lighting the (reaction) path: Photoredox and photocatalysis have recently provided fresh opportunities to expand the potential of organic synthesis. So far, innovation has mainly been driven by the quest for novel reactivities, often at the expense of a thorough mechanistic understanding. But these fields are now entering a more mature phase where the combination of experimental and mechanistic studies will play a dominant role in sustaining further innovation.

Abstract

The fast-moving fields of photoredox and photocatalysis have recently provided fresh opportunities to expand the potential of synthetic organic chemistry. Advances in light-mediated processes have mainly been guided so far by empirical findings and the quest for reaction invention. The general perception, however, is that photocatalysis is entering a more mature phase where the combination of experimental and mechanistic studies will play a dominant role in sustaining further innovation. This Review outlines the key mechanistic studies to consider when developing a photochemical process, and the best techniques available for acquiring relevant information. The discussion will use selected case studies to highlight how mechanistic investigations can be instrumental in guiding the invention and development of synthetically useful photocatalytic transformations.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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