Red-Light-Mediated Generation of Radicals: Applications in Organic Synthesis, Small-Molecule Activation, Polymerization, and Bio-Related Fields

Tong Zhang; Suman Pradhan; Shoubhik Das

doi:10.1002/anie.202501194

Red-Light-Mediated Generation of Radicals: Applications in Organic Synthesis, Small-Molecule Activation, Polymerization, and Bio-Related Fields

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2025 Apr 30:e202501194. doi: 10.1002/anie.202501194. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Tong Zhang^#¹, Suman Pradhan^#², Shoubhik Das^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, 2020, Belgium.
² Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.

^# Contributed equally.

PMID: 40305125
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202501194

Abstract

The field of visible light-mediated photochemistry has experienced significant growth, leading to the development of a wide array of methodologies in synthetic organic chemistry. In particular, photocatalysis by using long-wavelength light such as red and near-infrared (NIR) light has garnered substantial attention. These strategies have inherent benefits of low energy, including minimal health hazards, less side reactions, and increased penetration through diverse reaction media. In this minireview, we present an overview of recent advancements in red- and NIR light-induced photocatalysis for the generation of various radicals and key intermediates in organic synthesis. Additionally, this minireview will recount the application of small-molecule activation, polymer science, and bio-related aspects to offer a comprehensive framework and insight of photochemistry mediated by red and NIR light.

Keywords: Photodynamic therapy; Polymerization; Radicals; Red light; Synthetic methods.

Publication types

Review