Visible-Light-Mediated Organocatalyzed Thiol–Ene Reaction Initiated by a Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer

A convenient method for performing a thiol-ene reaction is described. The reaction is performed under blue-light irradiation and catalyzed by photoactive Lewis basic molecules such as acridine orange or naphthalene-fused N-acylbenzimidazole. It is believed that the process is initiated by a proton-coupled electron transfer process within the complex between the thiol and the Lewis basic catalyst.