Strategies to Generate Nitrogen-centered Radicals That May Rely on Photoredox Catalysis: Development in Reaction Methodology and Applications in Organic Synthesis

Chem Rev. 2022 Jan 26;122(2):2353-2428. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00444. Epub 2021 Oct 8.

Abstract

For more than 70 years, nitrogen-centered radicals have been recognized as potent synthetic intermediates. This review is a survey designed for use by chemists engaged in target-oriented synthesis. This review summarizes the recent paradigm shift in access to and application of N-centered radicals enabled by visible-light photocatalysis. This shift broadens and streamlines approaches to many small molecules because visible-light photocatalysis conditions are mild. Explicit attention is paid to innovative advances in N-X bonds as radical precursors, where X = Cl, N, S, O, and H. For clarity, key mechanistic data is noted, where available. Synthetic applications and limitations are summarized to illuminate the tremendous utility of photocatalytically generated nitrogen-centered radicals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic
  • Light*
  • Nitrogen* / chemistry

Substances

  • Nitrogen