Light-induced ligand-to-metal charge transfer of Fe(III)-OR species in organic synthesis.

Light-induced ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) has been utilized as a powerful strategy in various organic reactions. First-row transition metals, especially iron complexes, show good applications in this process. Fe(III)-Cl and Fe(III)-OR species are two key intermediates involved in the LMCT of iron complexes. This review highlights studies on LMCT of Fe(III)-OR species, including carboxylate-iron and alkoxy-iron species, in organic transformations. Reaction conditions, substrate scope and related mechanisms are discussed.