Electrochemical Activation of Diverse Conventional Photoredox Catalysts Induces Potent Photoreductant Activity**

Herein, we disclose that electrochemical stimulation induces new photocatalytic activity from a range of structurally diverse conventional photocatalysts. These studies uncover a new electron-primed photoredox catalyst capable of promoting the reductive cleavage of strong C(sp(2))-N and C(sp(2))-O bonds. We illustrate several examples of the synthetic utility of these deeply reducing but otherwise safe and mild catalytic conditions. Finally, we employ electrochemical current measurements to perform a reaction progress kinetic analysis. This technique reveals that the improved activity of this new system is a consequence of an enhanced catalyst stability profile.

Automated summary

Electrochemical stimulation can induce new photocatalytic activity in a range of structurally diverse conventional photocatalysts, promoting the reductive cleavage of strong C(sp(2))-N and C(sp(2))-O bonds. This method, known for its deep reducing ability, safety, and mild conditions, has shown synthetic utility. The improved activity of this new system is attributed to an enhanced catalyst stability, as revealed by electrochemical current measurements.