Asymmetric copper-catalyzed C-N cross-couplings induced by visible light

Copper's light touch forges C-N bonds Organic photochemistry has traditionally relied on excitation in the ultraviolet, where carbon-based compounds tend to absorb. Over the past decade, the field has undergone a renaissance as compounds that absorb visible light have proven to be versatile catalysts for organic reactions. For the most part, however, these catalysts have contained rare metals such as ruthenium or iridium. Kainz et al. now report a blue light-driven C-N bond-forming reaction catalyzed by Earth-abundant copper (see the Perspective by Greaney). Through coordination to a chiral ligand, the copper center couples alkyl chlorides to indoles and carbazoles with a high degree of enantioselectivity. Science , this issue p. 681 ; see also p. 666