Photoredox catalysis using methoxyarenes: mechanistic studies and synthetic applications

Abstract Bismethoxybinaphthyl was demonstrated to be an effective photoredox catalyst. This study explored the utility of bismethoxybinaphthyl catalysts in various photoredox reactions, including trifluoromethylation, C–H imidation, intramolecular lactonization, benzylation, and reductive coupling via the 1-electron reduction of carbonyl groups. Electrochemical analyses were conducted to determine the redox potential of the bismethoxybinaphthyl catalyst, revealing its notably stronger reducing power compared with representative organic photoredox catalysts. Furthermore, spectroscopic studies were performed to elucidate the mechanism of photoinduced electron transfer. It was found that bismethoxybinaphthyl does not form an electron donor–acceptor complex; instead, it facilitates electron transfer through a locally excited state.