Synthetic methods Part (i) Free-radical reactions

Abstract

Visible light photoredox catalysis is gradually replacing traditional radical reagents for the initiation and propagation of radical reactions in organic synthesis. This year has seen this methodology employed to generate high-energy aryl radicals and N-centred radicals. Photoredox catalysis played a pivotal role in the synthesis of (−)-aplyviolene, demonstrating the potential of this methodology. Another of this year's highlights was the remarkably simple asymmetric synthesis of pyrrolidines developed by MacMillan.