Merging Organocatalysis with Light – New Opportunities for Asymmetric Synthesis

In this chapter, we have summarized catalytic systems based on the combination of photocatalytic processes with organocatalysis, paying special attention to the activation mode. In the covalent catalysis section, we show the blend between iminium ion and enamine with photoredox processes, using an external photocatalyst. In addition, in absence of the external photocatalyst, we present the use of these photoactive intermediates to promote the asymmetric alpha and beta functionalization of aldehydes and ketones. In the second part, we have covered different asymmetric photocatalytic transformations mediated by non-covalent organocatalysts, concerning mainly the use of hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions.