Titanium in photocatalytic organic transformations: current applications and future developments

Abstract

Titanium, as an important transition metal, has garnered extensive attention in both industry and academia due to its excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and unique reactivity in organic synthesis. In the field of organic photocatalysis, titanium-based compounds such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂), titanocenes (Cp₂TiCl₂, CpTiCl₃), titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄), tetrakis(isopropoxy)titanium (Ti(OⁱPr)₄), and chiral titanium complexes have demonstrated distinct reactivity and selectivity. This review focuses on the roles of these titanium compounds in photocatalytic organic reactions, and highlights the reaction pathways such as photo-induced single-electron transfer (SET) and ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT). By systematically surveying the latest advancements in titanium-involved organic photocatalysis, this review aims to provide references for further research and technological innovation within this fast-developing field.