Zhang J,
Mück-Lichtenfeld C,
Studer A.
*
Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Germany
Photocatalytic Phosphine-Mediated Water Activation for Radical Hydrogenation.
Nature 2023;
619: 506-513
DOI:
10.1038/s41586-023-06141-1
Key words
photocatalysis - hydrogenation - unactivated alkenes - phosphine - radicals
Significance
Studer and co-workers report a photocatalytic radical hydrogenation of alkenes through
phosphine-mediated water activation. The method is remarkably compatible with a range
of activated and unactivated alkenes, and shows a large functional group tolerance.
The corresponding saturated products were generally obtained with good yields and
good selectivity.
Comment
The authors elegantly employ hydrogen atom transfer to a closed-shell system to achieve
alkene hydrogenation. Using stoichiometric phosphine oxide generation as the driving
force, water activation is achieved. This reactivity presents a compelling alternative
to known organocatalytic transfer hydrogenations, and additionally facilitates skeletal-editing
and cyclization reactions.
