Illuminating Photoredox Catalysis

Over the past decade, photoredox catalysis has risen to the forefront of synthetic organic chemistry as an indispensable tool for selective small-molecule activation and chemical-bond formation. This cutting-edge platform allows photosensitizers to convert visible light into chemical energy prompting generation of reactive radical intermediates. In this Review, we highlight some of the recent key contributions in the field, including: the impact of the chosen light arrays; promoting fundamental cross-coupling steps; selectively functionalizing aliphatic amines; engaging complementary mechanistic paradigms; and applications in industry. With such a wide breadth of reactivity already realized, the presence of photoredox catalysis in all sectors of organic chemistry is expected for years to come.