Shining Light on TiIV Complexes: Exceptional Tools for Metallaphotoredox Catalysis

Titanium is one of the most abundant and environmentally innocuous metals. Ti-based organometallic compounds have long been used as versatile homogeneous catalysts in synthetic chemistry and still remain highly attractive for the development of sustainable transformations. With the emerging role of photoredox catalysis, the selectivity of the radical initiation in electron transfer-mediated reactions has been shown to be fundamental in terms of synthesis efficiency. Recent examples have displayed the effectiveness of inorganic and organic chromophores at the excited state in triggering the redox chemistry of TiIV/III complexes. In this minireview, we will illustrate the underlying principles and practicability of these – still uncommon – metallaphotoredox catalytic reactions.