A Multiphoton Single-Electron Reduction of Olefins via Tandem Photoredox Catalysis

Herein we report a visible light multiphoton tandem photoredox catalysis strategy enabling a distinctive mode of olefin activation via a one electron reduction to the corresponding radical anion. This highly nucleophilic intermediate was harnessed to develop a method for the formal hydrogenation of unactivated alkenes under mild reaction conditions, in the absence of hydrogen gas or dissolving metals.