A photocatalytic formal [3+2] cycloaddition of 2H-azirines with alkynes has been achieved under irradiation by visible light in the presence of organic dye photocatalysts. This transformation provides efficient access to highly functionalized pyrroles in good yields and has been applied to the synthesis of drug analogues. A primary trial of photocascade catalysis merging energy transfer and redox neutral reactions was shown to be successful.

An unprecedented α-allylation of amines was achieved by combining palladium catalysis and visible-light photoredox catalysis. In this dual catalysis process, the catalytic generation of allyl radical from the corresponding π-allylpalladium intermediate was achieved without additional metal reducing reagents (redox-neutral). Various allylation products of amines were obtained in high yields through radical cross-coupling under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the transformation was applied to the formal synthesis of 8-oxoprotoberberine derivatives which show potential anticancer properties.

All lit up: A novel and efficient desulfonylation method of tosyl amides has been developed by means of visible-light-promoted reductive cleavage of N-S bonds. This method has a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and excellent yields.

A novel method for the synthesis of 1,4-diketones from β-ketosulfones was developed by means of a visible light-induced C-S bond activation process. Symmetrical and unsymmetrical 1,4-diketones can be easily prepared in moderate to good yields.