Recent advances in copper-catalyzed multicomponent reactions with photoinduction

Copper-catalyzed multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have garnered growing attention from synthetic chemists, due to their compelling attributes, such as cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, versatility in orchestrating one or two-electron processes, and the extraordinary capacity to enhance molecular complexity in a single step. The synergistic combination of these reactions with photocatalysis paves the way for novel reaction pathways, offering opportunities for new transformations executed under gentler, more environmentally-friendly conditions. Copper's catalytic prowess is further underscored by its adept management of key intermediate stability and reactivity within photochemical frameworks, a testament to its multifaceted utility. Furthermore, the strategic introduction of suitable chiral ligands enables photoinduced copper-catalyzed asymmetric MCRs, streamlining the synthesis of a variety of new chiral compounds in an atom- and step-economical manner. This review aims to comprehensively encapsulate the recent advancements in photoinduced copper-catalyzed MCRs, including racemic and asymmetric fashions, dissecting the underlying reaction mechanisms, and charting a course for future explorations in this promising field. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.