Advances in the Synthesis of Imine‐Containing Azaarene Derivatives via Photoredox Catalysis

Abundant and structurally diverse nitrogen‐containing aromatic heterocycles (azaarenes) are of great importance in many scientific and industrial fields. The development of methods for accessing azaarene derivatives has thus attracted substantial attention from chemists. In particular, directly exploiting the electronic properties of azaarenes to trigger transformations of azaarene‐containing substrates has long been appreciated as a powerful tool because it avoids the use of extra activating groups and allows the straightforward functionalization of azaarenes. In recent years, numerous advances have been made in the synthesis of imine‐containing azaarene derivatives under photoredox catalysis; the unique electronic and structural properties of these azaarenes as well as highly reactive and non‐traditional radical‐based process have inspired a number of targeted strategies and the corresponding efficient methodologies. In view of the currently available reviews, here, we will discuss the advances in the strategies of using these azaarenes as analogues of carbonyls and as single‐electron oxidants from the first example to the present.