New Paradigm of Electron Transfer Chemistry in Organic Reactions

Abstract

New paradigm of electron transfer chemistry in organic reactions is described, making it possible to finely control electron transfer reactions of organic molecules as nature has developed to a high degree of perfection in biological systems raging from photosynthesis to respiration. Important approaches to design and to control organic electron transfer reactions are based on the Marcus theory of electron transfer with weak interactions. New approaches also include electron transfer reactions accompanied by transient chemical bonding with third components such as Lewis acids which can act as promoters to accelerate organic electron transfer reactions. Synthetic application of such new paradigm of electron transfer chemistry in organic reactions is demonstrated by a variety of examples of overall organic chemical transformations which involve Lewis acid-promoted electron transfer processes as the rate-determining step.