Photoredox catalysis in organic chemistry: Advances and challenges

Abstract

Photoredox catalysis has emerged as one of the most influential advancements in modern organic chemistry, utilizing visible light to drive chemical reactions with high efficiency and selectivity under mild conditions. Since 2010, remarkable progress has been made in designing novel photocatalysts, including transition-metal complexes, organic dyes, and earth-abundant metal-based systems. This review explores these developments, focusing on their applications in C–C bond formation, C–H activation, and radical-mediated transformations. The integration of photoredox catalysis with other catalytic strategies, such as organocatalysis and transition-metal catalysis, has enabled enantioselective synthesis and novel reaction pathways. While photoredox catalysis has advanced significantly, challenges persist, including the cost of photocatalysts, scalability, and environmental concerns. Strategies such as flow photoreactors and machine-learning-assisted reaction optimization are addressing these limitations. This review synthesizes findings from over 25 studies to present a comprehensive overview of the field, its current challenges, and future prospects. Photoredox catalysis continues to redefine sustainable chemistry, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.