Applications of visible light photoredox catalysis to the synthesis of natural products and related compounds

Abstract

Covering: 2008 to 2016

The total synthesis of natural products and their derivatives continues to inspire organic chemists to identify and test new synthetic strategies and develop and explore novel methodology. In recent years, visible light photoredox catalysis has risen to prominence as a powerful technology that enables the selective formation of chemical bonds under mild reaction conditions. Herein we review applications of photoredox catalysis to the synthesis of natural products and related complex molecules, showcasing a range of powerful transformations that include: reductive couplings, photocycloadditions, intermolecular C–H functionalisation processes, fragmentations, and cyclisations.