Renewable Energy-Driven Synthesis of Bioactive Quinolinones through Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Activation

Abstract

We present an innovative photocatalytic system for sustainable quinolin-2(1H)-one synthesis with broad substrate scope under mild, oxidant-free conditions, overcoming limitations of harsh traditional methods and high-pressure CO dependency. A complementary electrochemical strategy demonstrates analogous carbonylative cyclization as a proof-of-concept, while the sunlight-driven protocol achieves exceptional versatility across diverse substrates, directly accessing pharmaceutically vital derivatives. This dual energy-activation paradigm (light/electricity) merges operational safety and environmental compatibility, establishing the photocatalytic route as a scalable platform for heterocycle construction while outlining electrochemical potential for future development.