β-Elimination reactions by using samarium diiodide

Abstract

The development of methodologies for the formation of carbon–carbon double bonds could be considered one of the most important challenges in organic synthesis. To this end, β-elimination reactions in 1,2-difunctionalised substrates have been one of the most important means of generating CC bonds.

This review is intended to highlight the use of SmI₂ in β-elimination procedures, such that the organization of this revision highlights conventional β-elimination processes which are promoted by samarium diiodide. The synthetic applications of SmI₂ will be covered, and 1,2-elimination reactions which are involved in sequential reactions promoted by samarium diiodide, will also be illustrated. These methodologies along with the more recent developments in the area are discussed in this tutorial review.