Increased Conversion in the Heck Reaction Under Irradiation with Light

Irradiation with light (UV-vis and visible) was shown to increase the rate of the Heck reaction at 90-140 A degrees C using both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. The photoreduction of Pd(II) is most likely the reason for the higher activity under irradiation with light. This was demonstrated by the addition of sodium formate.