Visible-light-promoted catalytic epoxidation of alkenes under metal-free conditions

Abstract

A new practical approach for mild olefin epoxidations has been developed through visible-light-promoted photoredox catalysis. This innovative technique enables the direct and convenient use of oxygen as the sole terminal oxidant to prepare a range of epoxides at room temperature, without the need for metals. It is worth mentioning that the success of this conversion is significantly influenced by the careful selection of the solvent system and photocatalyst.