Metallaphotoredox: The Merger of Photoredox and Transition Metal Catalysis

The merger of photoredox catalysis with transition metal catalysis, termed metallaphotoredox catalysis, has become a mainstay in synthetic methodology over the past decade. Metallaphotoredox catalysis has combined the unparalleled capacity of transition metal catalysis for bond formation with the broad utility of photoinduced electron- and energy-transfer processes. Photocatalytic substrate activation has allowed the engagement of simple starting materials in metal-mediated bond-forming processes. Moreover, electron or energy transfer directly with key organometallic intermediates has provided novel activation modes entirely complementary to traditional catalytic platforms. This Review details and contextualizes the advancements in molecule construction brought forth by metallaphotocatalysis.

Automated summary

The merger of photoredox catalysis with transition metal catalysis, known as metallaphotoredox catalysis, has become an important part of synthetic methodology. It combines the bond formation capability of transition metal catalysis with the utility of photoinduced electron and energy transfer processes. Photocatalytic substrate activation allows the involvement of simple starting materials in metal-mediated bond-forming processes, while electron or energy transfer with organometallic intermediates provides a complementary activation mode to traditional catalytic platforms.