Photoredox Catalytic Organic Transformations using Heterogeneous Carbon Nitrides

Photoredox catalysis comprising homogeneous transition-metal-based systems, organic dyes, and semiconductors, has become a universal tool to catalyze a wide variety of chemical reactions with high selectivity and under mild conditions using visible light irradiation. This Minireview summarizes recent progress in photoredox catalysis mediated by heterogeneous carbon nitride materials such as mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (mpg-CN), polymeric carbon nitride, and potassium poly(heptazine imides) (K-PHI). Because of the high thermal, chemical, and photostability of these materials, as well as favorable conduction and valence band positions, carbon nitrides expand the reaction range of photocatalysis to many novel reactions, such as photocatalytic activation of elemental sulfur to furnish a convenient chemical route to organosulfur compounds.