Isolated Neutral Organic Radical Unveiled Solvent‐Radical Interaction in Highly Reducing Photocatalysis
Aslam C. Shaikh, Md Mubarak Hossain, Jules Moutet, Anshu Kumar, Benjamin Thompson, Vanessa M. Huxter, Thomas L. Gianetti
Abstract
Abstract Diffusion‐limited kinetics is a key mechanistic debate when consecutive photoelectron transfer (conPET) is discussed in photoredox catalysis. In situ generated organic photoactive radicals can access catalytic systems as reducing as alkaline metals that can activate remarkably stable bonds. However, in many cases, the extremely short‐lived transient nature of these doublet state open‐shell species has led to debatable mechanistic studies, hindering adoption and development. Herein, we document the use of an isolated and stable neutral organic n PrDMQA radical as a highly photoreducing species. The isolated radical offers a unique platform to investigate the mechanism behind the photocatalytic activity of organic photocatalyst radicals. The involvement of reduced solvent is observed, formed by single electron transfer (SET) between the short‐lived excited state n PrDMQA radical and the solvent. In our detailed mechanistic studies, spectroscopic and chemical affirmation of solvent reduction is strongly evident. Reduction of aryl halides, including difluoroarenes is presented as a model study of the conPET method. Further, the activation of N 2 O, a greenhouse gas that is yet to be activated by photoredox catalysis, is showcased in the absence of a transition metal.