Copper in Photocatalysis

Abstract

Abstract Light‐induced electron transfer (Cu I to Cu II ), oxidative addition (Cu I to Cu III ), or the activation of copper alkene or alkyne complexes are possible key steps that offer unique possibilities for organic synthesis, including [2+2]‐cycloadditions, cross‐coupling reactions or atom transfer radical additions. This Minireview provides an overview on the photophysical properties of photocatalysts based on copper and on synthetic transformations mediated by them.