Issue 18, 2023

Lighting the way to diverse cyclic architectures: expanding the horizons with photogenerated ketenes in sustainable chemistry

Abstract

Light is a fundamental energy source that has considerably driven scientific progress, especially in the fields of synthetic chemistry and pharmaceuticals. Visible-light-mediated synthetic chemistry has revolutionized conventional bond formation and enabled previously inaccessible chemical processes under mild conditions. However, the continuous consumption of photocatalysts and corresponding additives has led to system complexity and cost escalation, making the development of photoactivated substrates a promising yet challenging research frontier. Recently, emerging photogenerated ketenes as a potent class of organic compounds has provided a promising solution to the challenges associated with classic ketene preparation and application, with reduced preparative costs and simplified processes. This review highlights how photogenerated ketenes have simplified and accelerated the synthesis of diverse cyclic architectures through [2 + n] cyclization reactions and complex natural products through Danheiser benzannulation. Significantly, their successful application in flow chemistry has demonstrated remarkable potential for industrialization. Despite challenges in terms of limited cyclic architectures, elusive mechanisms, and challenging chiral control, ongoing efforts in investigating the chemical behaviors of photogenerated ketenes and exploring their potential applications hold promise for breakthrough discoveries, propelling the field forward sustainably.

Graphical abstract: Lighting the way to diverse cyclic architectures: expanding the horizons with photogenerated ketenes in sustainable chemistry

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
05 6 2023
Accepted
28 6 2023
First published
03 7 2023

Org. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 4474-4487

Lighting the way to diverse cyclic architectures: expanding the horizons with photogenerated ketenes in sustainable chemistry

W. Zuo, Q. Liu, X. Xie, Q. Pang, W. Li, C. Peng, X. Li and B. Han, Org. Chem. Front., 2023, 10, 4474 DOI: 10.1039/D3QO00831B

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements