Recent Advances in Photoinduced Iron Catalysis for Decarboxylative C-Heteroatom Bonds Formation
Dongping Wang1, Shanshan Wei1, Yanli Yin2
1Henan Linker Technology Key Laboratory, College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CAIST), Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China.
Chemical Record (New York, N.Y.)
|March 23, 2026
Summary
Iron-photocatalyzed reactions enable efficient decarboxylative formation of carbon-heteroatom bonds. This sustainable method offers a versatile approach for late-stage functionalization, complementing precious metal catalysis.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Photocatalysis
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Decarboxylative reactions are crucial for C-heteroatom bond formation.
- Iron catalysis is emerging as a sustainable alternative to precious metals.
- Photoinduced iron catalysis offers unique reactivity and efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review recent advances in iron-photocatalyzed decarboxylative C-heteroatom bond formation.
- To highlight the scope and mechanism of these transformations.
- To emphasize the sustainability and versatility of this methodology.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on iron-photocatalyzed decarboxylative reactions.
- Analysis of reaction mechanisms, focusing on ligand-to-metal charge transfer.
- Categorization of C-heteroatom bond formations (C-H, C-O, C-S, C-N, C-P, C-Halogen).
Main Results:
- Iron-photocatalyzed decarboxylation efficiently forms various C-heteroatom bonds.
- Reactions proceed via photoexcited iron-carboxylate complexes generating carbon radicals.
- Carbon radicals are trapped by diverse heteroatom-based acceptors.
- Sustainable and versatile tool for late-stage functionalization.
Conclusions:
- Iron-photocatalyzed decarboxylative C-heteroatom bond formation is a powerful synthetic strategy.
- This methodology offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to precious metal catalysis.
- It shows significant potential for the late-stage functionalization of complex molecules.
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