Visible-Light Photocatalysis of the Ketyl Radical Coupling Reaction

Abstract

Ketyl radical coupling reactions for the construction of diversely functionalized alcohols have been continuously developed for many decades. Based on the recently widespread application of photocatalysis, ketyl radical coupling reactions have also witnessed rapid development. This Minireview aims to briefly and concisely summarize the methods to construct ketyl radical intermediates through visible-light photocatalysis over the past 10 years. The ketyl-radical-generation activators are grouped as Lewis acids, Brønsted acids, in situ generated Brønsted acids, and others.

Keywords: coupling reactions; electron transfer; ketyl radical; photocatalysis; radical reactions.