The promise and pitfalls of photocatalysis for organic synthesis

Progress in photocatalysis for organic synthesis over the last 15 years has been undeniably rapid. The number of transformations enabled by visible light has exploded as have new reactor technologies and the availability of structurally diverse photocatalysts. This perspective takes stock of the advances made and highlights the benefits of employing photocatalysis toward the synthesis of compounds and also identifies critical challenges to be overcome as photocatalysis enters a new era of ever-widening adoption.

Automated summary

Progress in photocatalysis for organic synthesis has been rapidly advancing over the last 15 years, with an explosion of transformations enabled by visible light and the development of new reactor technologies and diverse photocatalysts. This perspective reflects on the achievements made, highlights the benefits of using photocatalysis in compound synthesis, and identifies critical challenges to be addressed as photocatalysis enters a new era of widespread adoption.