NHC-Cu Three-Coordinate Complex as a Promising Photocatalyst for Energy and Electron Transfer Reactions.

Herein, we describe a simple three-coordinate complex of Cu(I) with an NHC and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands as an effective photocatalyst for energy (e.g., olefin E/Z isomerization) and electron transfer (e.g., aryl halide dehalogenation) reactions under blue-light irradiation. This complex can be obtained in a one-pot procedure starting from commercially available reagents and green solvents (EtOH, water). We hereby present a study of its activity and mechanistic insight into its mode of operation.

Electrochemical Cycloaddition Reactions of Alkene Radical Cations: A Route toward Cyclopropanes and Cyclobutanes.

Herein, we describe a mild and efficient electrochemical method for cycloaddition reactions of alkene radical cations. Anodic oxidation of olefins produces electrophilic alkene radical cations, which further react with either diazo compounds in a [2 + 1] cycloaddition toward cyclopropane synthesis, or styrene derivatives in a [2 + 2] cycloaddition producing cyclobutanes. Both processes are green, metal- and catalyst-free, and scalable and tolerate a broad range of electron-rich olefins.