Iron photocatalysis in dual catalysis: forming C–C and C–X bonds

In recent times, iron-based dual/photoredox catalysis has evolved as a green and sustainable approach, enabling various complex organic transformations with a broad substrate scope and good selectivity. It is a cost-effective and efficient alternative to other expensive transitional metals in visible light-mediated organic reactions. Iron complexes are more abundant, non-toxic, and have variable redox properties. They can carry out complex reactions through single or dual catalysis using various charge transfer methods, such as single-electron transfer (SET) or ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT). This review highlights the latest advancements in iron-based dual catalytic systems for making C-C and C-X bonds using mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, we discuss the role of iron within dual catalytic systems, including its mechanistic pathways. This review primarily covers studies reported between 2020 and 2025.