We report an operationally simple, tin-free reductive dehalogenation system utilizing the well-known visible-light-activated photoredox catalyst Ru(bpy)(3)Cl(2) in combination with (i)Pr(2)NEt and HCO(2)H or Hantzsch ester as the hydrogen atom donor. Activated C-X bonds may be reduced in good yields with excellent functional-group tolerance and chemoselectivity over aryl and vinyl C-X bonds. The proposed mechanism involves visible-light excitation of the catalyst, which is reduced by the tertiary amine to produce the single-electron reducing agent Ru(bpy)(3)(+). A subsequent single-electron transfer generates the alkyl radical, which is quenched by abstraction of a hydrogen atom. Reductions can be accomplished on a preparative scale with as little as 0.05 mol % Ru catalyst.

Photoredox catalysis is emerging as a powerful tool in synthetic organic chemistry. The aim of this synopsis is to provide an overview of the photoelectronic properties of photoredox catalysts as they are applied to organic transformations. In addition, recent synthetic applications of photoredox catalysis are presented.

The scarcity of complex intermediates in pharmaceutical research motivates the pursuit of reaction optimization protocols on submilligram scales. We report here the development of an automated flow-based synthesis platform, designed from commercially available components, that integrates both rapid nanomole-scale reaction screening and micromole-scale synthesis into a single modular unit. This system was validated by exploring a diverse range of reaction variables in a Suzuki-Miyaura coupling on nanomole scale at elevated temperatures, generating liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data points for 5760 reactions at a rate of >1500 reactions per 24 hours. Through multiple injections of the same segment, the system directly produced micromole quantities of desired material. The optimal conditions were also replicated in traditional flow and batch mode at 50- to 200-milligram scale to provide good to excellent yields.

Atom transfer radical addition of haloalkanes and α-halocarbonyls to olefins is efficiently performed with the photocatalyst Ir[(dF(CF3)ppy)2(dtbbpy)]PF6. This protocol is characterized by excellent yields, mild conditions, low catalyst loading, and broad scope. In addition, the atom transfer protocol can be used to quickly and efficiently introduce vinyl trifluoromethyl groups to olefins and access 1,1-cyclopropane diesters.

Photoredox catalysis: A variety of organic transformations mediated by visible‐light‐active photoredox catalysts have been conducted in a photochemical flow reactor. The reactor design is very simple and can be easily implemented in any laboratory (see picture). In addition, this reactor afforded a marked increase in the reaction rate compared to those observed in typical batch (round bottom flask) reactors.