Use of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds as Electrophotocatalysts in Organic Reactions

Abstract

Electrophotocatalysis is the latest offshoot of two of the most innovative synthetic approaches in modern organic chemistry: on one hand, photoredox catalysis, which harnesses light to activate small molecules and construct new carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds; and on the other, electrochemistry, which allows fine control over oxidation states while avoiding the use of stoichiometric redox reagents. The combination of light and electricity as energy sources has enabled access to high‐energy excited states with considerable redox potentials, opening new synthetic avenues. In this review, the key aspects of this methodology are discussed, and the most relevant recent applications of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis are presented. Furthermore, the prominent role of polycyclic aromatic compounds as electrophotocatalysts is highlighted, supported by several illustrative examples.