Immobilization and continuous recycling of photoredox catalysts in ionic liquids for applications in batch reactions and flow systems: Catalytic alkene isomerization by using visible light

A catalytic (E)- to (Z)-isomerization of olefins using a photoredox catalyst under mild reaction conditions is presented. A variety of (Z)-alkenes can be prepared in the presence of visible light. A new reaction system allows an easy and efficient scale-up, as well as a continuous flow process in which the photocatalyst is immobilized in an ionic liquid and continuously recycled by simple phase separation. Catalytic (E)- to (Z)-isomerizations of olefins under mild conditions can be achieved by use of a photosensitizer and visible light. A new reaction system such as depicted allows an easy and efficient scale-up, as well as continuous flow processes in which the photocatalyst is immobilized in an ionic liquid and continuously recycled by phase separation.