Visible-Light-Induced Excited-State Copper Catalysis: Recent Advances and Perspectives

Photoactive copper complexes have gained significant attention due to their photocatalytic activities. Different homogeneous Cu(I) complexes, Cu(II) complexes, and heterogeneous copper-based photocatalysts have been investigated and utilized in a broad spectrum of organic transformations. These applications span radical additions, C–C bond and C–heteroatom bond cross-couplings, aerobic oxidative reactions, and kinetic resolutions. This review summarizes the advancements in this dynamic field of visible-light-induced, excited-state copper-catalyzed organic reactions over recent years. It is organized according to the type of excited copper species involved and provides a perspective on current and future developments.