Photoredox-mediated cobalt catalysis for non-asymmetric and asymmetric synthesis

Visible-light-induced transition-metal catalysis is becoming essential in organic synthesis, offering sustainable and mild routes to complex molecules. Among these, photoredox-mediated cobalt catalysis has emerged as a particularly promising approach. Cobalt’s capacity to direct stereochemistry stems from its diverse redox behavior, geometric flexibility, and the ability to transition between octahedral and tetrahedral configurations. Additionally, its redox-adaptive ligand fields and spin-state plasticity play crucial roles. Recent advances have produced efficient catalytic systems capable of novel photochemical transformations, particularly in synthesizing enantiomerically enriched compounds. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning the regulation of high-energy intermediates and the mitigation of competing thermal processes. Achieving stringent stereoselectivity remains a critical hurdle, requiring integration of coordination chemistry and photophysics. This review traces the development of photoredox-mediated cobalt catalysis, emphasizing recent progress in asymmetric catalysis. By analyzing mechanisms and applications, we aim to highlight both the potential and current limitations, thereby guiding future research and innovation in photoredox-mediated cobalt catalysis field. Chi et al. present a comprehensive overview of organic transformations facilitated by photoredox-mediated cobalt catalysis, with a particular emphasis on asymmetric catalysis. The authors assess the current capabilities and limitations of this strategy, providing valuable insights that pave the way for future research and innovation in the field.