Unlocking the Synthetic Potential of Light-Excited Aryl Ketones: Applications in Direct Photochemistry and Photoredox Catalysis

Abstract

In this Account, we summarize the contributions of our group to the field of photochemistry and photocatalysis. Our work deals with the development of novel synthetic methods based on the exploitation of photoexcited aryl ketones. The application of new technologies, such as microfluidic photoreactors (MFPs), has enhanced the synthetic performance and scalability of several photochemical methods, e.g., Paternò–Büchi and photoenolization/Diels–Alder processes, while opening the way to unprecedented reactivity. In addition, careful mechanistic analysis of the developed methods has been instrumental in disclosing a new family of powerful organic photocatalysts that can mediate several thermodynamically extreme photoredox processes.

1 Introduction

1.1 Shining Light on Aryl Ketones: From the Historical Background to Recent Synthetic Applications

1.2 Preliminary Mechanistic Considerations

2 Synthetic Transformations Driven by Triplet State Benzophenones

3 Synthetic Transformations Driven by Triplet State o-Alkyl-Substituted Benzophenones

4 The Evolution of Aryl-Ketone-Derived Products: Applications in Organophotoredox Catalysis

5 Conclusions and Future Directions

Key words

synthetic photochemistry - photoredox catalysis - microfluidic photoreactions - carbonyl compounds - ketones

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