Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into energy-rich compounds utilizing solar light as an energy source is expected to provide a solution to serious problems of the shortage of fossil resources and global warming. In this perspective, we summarize advances in supramolecular photocatalysts for the reduction of CO2, of which photosensitizer and catalyst units are connected via a bridging ligand. The first successful Ru(II)–Re(I) supramolecular photocatalysts reported in 2005 indicated molecular architecture for developing efficient supramolecular photocatalysts for CO2 reduction to CO with high selectivity and durability. On the basis of this architecture, both the bridging ligands and Re(I) catalyst unit were optimized to increase the photocatalytic activity. In addition, the compositional units of supramolecular photocatalytic systems were modified: (1) Ir(III) and Os(II) complexes, free- and metallo-porphyrins, and chlorophyll functioned as alternative or better photosensitizer units in comparison to the Ru...

Supramolecular Photocatalysts for the Reduction of CO2

The boom in visible light photoredox catalysis (VLPC) research has demonstrated that this novel synthetic approach is here to stay. VLPC enables reactive radical intermediates to be catalytically generated at ambient temperature, a feat not generally allowed through traditional pyrolysis- or radical initiator-based methodologies. VLPC has vastly extended the range of substrates and reaction schemes that have been traditionally the domain of radical reactions. In this review the photophysics background of VLPC will be briefly discussed, followed by a report on recent inroads of VLPC into decarboxylative couplings and radical C–H functionalization of aromatic compounds. The bulk of the review will be dedicated to advances in synergistic catalysis involving VLPC, namely the combination of photoredox catalysis with organocatalysis, including β-functionalization of carbonyl groups, functionalization of weak aliphatic C–H bonds, and anti-Markovnikov hydrofunctionalization of alkenes; dual catalysis with gold or with nickel, photoredox catalysis as an oxidation promoter in transition metal catalysis, and acid-catalyzed enantioselective radical addition to π systems.

Recent synthetic additions to the visible light photoredox catalysis toolbox.

Titanium and zirconium complexes carrying two 2,6-bis(pyrrolyl)pyridine ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The neutral complexes Ti(MePDP)2 and Zr(MePDP)2 (MePDP = 2,6-bis(5-methyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)pyridine) show intense ligand-to-metal charge-transfer bands in the visible region and undergo multiple reversible redox events under highly reducing conditions. Zr(MePDP)2 exhibits photoluminescent behavior and its excited state can be quenched by mild reductants to generate a powerful electron transfer reagent with a ground state potential of −2.16 V vs Fc+/0. This reactivity was utilized to facilitate dehalogenation reactions, the reduction of electron-poor olefins, and the reductive coupling of benzyl bromide via photoredox catalysis. In these reactions, the earth-abundant metal complex Zr(MePDP)2 acts as a substitute for the precious metal photosensitizer [Ru(bpy)3]2+.

A Luminescent Zirconium(IV) Complex as a Molecular Photosensitizer for Visible Light Photoredox Catalysis

Electrochemical Radical Selenylation/1,2-Carbon Migration and Dowd-Beckwith-Type Ring-Expansion Sequences of Alkenylcyclobutanols.

The tricyclic aromatic ketone 9-anthrone and its derivatives are under basic conditions in equilibrium with their corresponding anionic forms. Unlike the neutral species, the 9-anthrolate anions can be excited by blue LED light and thus, are able to initiate a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) reaction. To demonstrate the synthetic applicability of the catalytic system, various (hetero)aryl chlorides were converted in C-C and C-Het bond-forming reactions affording the corresponding arylation products in moderate to excellent yields. The reactions proceed under very mild conditions without the need for a sacrificial electron donor. Besides 9-anthrone, other closely related derivatives were synthesised and investigated concerning their ability to catalyse demanding reductive transformations. Based on spectroscopic findings and radical trapping experiments a conceivable mechanism is proposed.

Utilising excited state organic anions for photoredox catalysis: activation of (hetero)aryl chlorides by visible light-absorbing 9-anthrolate anions.

Aryl-substituted dimethylbenzimidazolines as effective reductants of photoinduced electron transfer reactions

A photo-reagent system of benzimidazoline and Ru(bpy)3Cl2 to promote hexenyl radical cyclization and Dowd–Beckwith ring-expansion of α-halomethyl-substituted benzocyclic 1-alkanones

The visible light-promoted reduction reactions of some organohalides were investigated using 2-aryl-1,3-dimethylbenzimidazolines (Ar-DMBIH) possessing 2-naphthyl or 2-hydroxynaphthyl substituents. In these reduction reactions, single-electron transfer from photo-excited Ar-DMBIH, attained by Xe lamp irradiation through an appropriate glass-filter (λ > 390 nm), to the halide substrates leads to the carbon–halogen bond cleavage, followed by the rearrangements of the formed carbon radicals such as 5-exo hexenyl cyclization and the Dowd–Beckwith ring expansion. Addition of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene was found to enhance the reducing ability of hydroxynaphthyl-substituted DMBIH. A household white light-emitting diode was also used as a light source for these reactions.

Visible Light-Promoted Metal-Free Reduction of Organohalides by 2-Naphthyl or 2-Hydroxynaphthyl-Substituted 1,3-Dimethylbenzimidazolines

A benzimidazoline ligand in combination with a Ru- or Ir-complex promotes photoinduced electron-transfer reactions of α-halomethyl substituted substrates to form primary alkyl radicals via selective C-halogen bond cleavage.

A Photo‐Reagent System of Benzimidazoline and Ru(bpy)3Cl2 to Promote Hexenyl Radical Cyclization and Dowd—Beckwith Ring‐Expansion of α‐Halomethyl‐Substituted Benzocyclic 1‐Alkanones.

Taku Ohta

Papers

Aryl-substituted dimethylbenzimidazolines as effective reductants of photoinduced electron transfer reactions

A photo-reagent system of benzimidazoline and Ru(bpy)3Cl2 to promote hexenyl radical cyclization and Dowd–Beckwith ring-expansion of α-halomethyl-substituted benzocyclic 1-alkanones

Visible Light-Promoted Metal-Free Reduction of Organohalides by 2-Naphthyl or 2-Hydroxynaphthyl-Substituted 1,3-Dimethylbenzimidazolines

A Photo‐Reagent System of Benzimidazoline and Ru(bpy)3Cl2 to Promote Hexenyl Radical Cyclization and Dowd—Beckwith Ring‐Expansion of α‐Halomethyl‐Substituted Benzocyclic 1‐Alkanones.