Recent Advances in Enantioselective Transformations Enabled by Synergistic Photoredox/Chromium Catalysis

doi:10.6023/cjoc202512018

Abstract

The synergistic merger of photoredox catalysis with first-row transition metal catalysis has enabled a powerful development for sustainable asymmetric synthesis. Among these, the combination of photoredox catalysts with chromium complexes—an abundant metal with rich one- and two-electron redox chemistry—has unlocked novel reactivity manifolds and stereocontrol strategies. This review examines the recent advances in enantioselective transformations enabled by synergistic photocatalytic/chromium catalysis. We analyzed the unique catalyst roles, synergistic mechanisms, and activation modes, covering key transformations such as enantioselective radical addition, C-H functionalization, cross-coupling, and multicomponent reactions. Allylic, propargylic and alkylic radical involved transformations that are enabled by the dual photoredox/chromium catalysis were discussed respectively. The evolution of this field is summarized, highlighting strategies to broaden substrate scope and develop novel pathways for accessing diverse structures. The review concludes by highlighting current challenges and future opportunities for this rapidly evolving field, emphasizing its potential for more sustainable pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing.

Key words: visible light, chromium, enantioselective, asymmetric, photoredox, metallophotoredox, radical

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Yu-Chen Miao, Hang Qi, Huan-Ming Huang. Recent Advances in Enantioselective Transformations Enabled by Synergistic Photoredox/Chromium Catalysis[J]. Chinese Journal of Organic Chemistry, doi: 10.6023/cjoc202512018.

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