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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
Published on: April 22, 2016
Intermolecular Radical Addition to Carbonyls Enabled by Visible Light Photoredox Initiated Hole Catalysis
Lena Pitzer1, Frederik Sandfort1, Felix Strieth-Kalthoff1
1Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster , Corrensstraße 40, 48149 Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
Herein, we present a novel strategy for the utilization of simple carbonyl compounds, aldehydes and ketones, as intermolecular radical acceptors. The reaction is enabled by visible light photoredox initiated hole catalysis and the in situ Brønsted acid activation of the carbonyl compound. This regioselective alkyl radical addition reaction does not require metals, ligands or additives and proceeds with a high degree of atom economy under mild conditions. The proposed mechanism is supported by both experimental and theoretical studies.
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