A Hybrid Catalyst for Light‐Driven Green Molecular Transformations

This Minireview is focused on the development of hybrid catalysts composed of photosensitizers and a metal complex, especially vitamin B12 derivatives. The semiconductor–metal complex composites are effective photocatalysts for molecular transformations due to the synergistic effect between the two components. The design of a B12 complex for the hybridization with TiO2 was simple and straightforward—cobyrinic acid, having seven carboxylic groups derived from naturally occurring B12 is stably immobilized on the TiO2. By using the hybrid catalysts as mimics of B12‐dependent enzymes, light‐driven reactions such as the dechlorination of organic halide pollutants, and radical‐mediated isomerization proceeded catalytically. In addition to the enzyme‐mimicking reactions, bioinspired reactions were also developed with the hybrid catalyst. The B12–TiO2 hybrid catalyst was used for hydrogen evolution and alkene reduction by UV light irradiation, and the cobalt–hydrogen complex (Co–H complex) was considered to be a putative intermediate of the reactions. The multidisciplinary concept for the design of a hybrid catalyst is described in this Minireview. Catalysis gets a green light: Semiconductor–metal complex composites are effective photocatalysts owing to the synergistic effect of both components. Light‐driven, B12‐dependent enzyme reactions, such as the dechlorination of organic halides and radical‐mediated isomerizations are effectively mimicked by the B12–TiO2 hybrid catalyst. Also, bioinspired reactions, such as hydrogen evolution and alkene reductions mediated by the Co–H complex have been developed using the hybrid catalyst system.