Controllable Isomerization of Alkenes by Dual Visible-Light-Cobalt Catalysis.

We report herein that thermodynamic and kinetic isomerization of alkenes can be accomplished by the combination of visible light with Co catalysis. Utilizing Xantphos as the ligand, the most stable isomers are obtained, while isomerizing terminal alkenes over one position can be selectively controlled by using DPEphos as the ligand. The presence of the donor-acceptor dye 4CzIPN accelerates the reaction further.