Photocatalyst-free light-promoted carbohydrate synthesis and modification

Photoredox catalysis has recently emerged as a powerful approach for preparing oligosaccharides because it uses mild conditions, is compatible with partially or completely unprotected carbohydrate substrates, and exhibits impressive regio- and stereo-selectivity and high functional group tolerance. However, most catalytic photoredox reactions require an external photocatalyst (organic dye or expensive transition-metal complex) to deliver key glycosyl radicals. Several photocatalyst-free photocatalytic reactions that avoid the use of expensive metal salts or organic-dye additives have received significant attention. In this review, we highlight the most recent developments in photocatalyst-free light-promoted carbohydrate synthesis and modification, which is expected to inspire broad interest in further innovations in the green synthesis of saccharides.