Unveiling Potent Photooxidation Behavior of Catalytic Photoreductants

We describe a photocatalytic system that reveals latent photooxidant behavior from one of the most reducing conventional photoredox catalysts, N-phenylphenothiazine (PTH). This aerobic photochemical reaction engages difficult to oxidize feedstocks, such as benzene, in C(sp(2))-N coupling reactions through direct oxidation. Mechanistic studies are consistent with activation of PTH via photooxidation and with Lewis acid cocatalysts scavenging inhibitors inextricably formed in this process.

Automated summary

The article introduces a photocatalytic system that utilizes N-phenylphenothiazine as a catalyst, revealing its latent photooxidant behavior. Experimental results show that PTH is activated through photooxidation, and Lewis acid cocatalysts are used to remove inhibitors formed during the reaction process.