Photoinduced electron transfer: Perspectives in organic synthesis

Electron transfer between organic molecules, almost non existent in the ground state, is common occurrence when an excited state is involved. The innovative characteristics of (photoinduced) single electron transfer between organic molecules are discussed in the frame of the general mechanism of organic chemistry. The redox step generates a pair of oppositely charged radical ions under exceptionally mild conditions in neat organic solvent by irradiation. These hitherto little investigated species show a rich and varied chemistry. Representative examples are illustrated. in particular photoinduced radical conjugate alkylation using unconventional radical precursors. The versatility of the photochemical method for radical ions generation suggests that it map give a significant contribution to the development of organic synthesis in the nest years.