Recent Visible Light and Metal Free Strategies in [2+2] and [4+2] Photocycloadditions

When aiming to synthesize molecules with elevated molecular complexity starting from relatively simple starting materials, photochemical transformations represent an open avenue to circumvent analogous multistep procedures. Specifically, light-mediated cycloadditions remain as powerful tools to generate new bonds begotten from non-very intuitive disconnections, that alternative thermal protocols would not offer. In response to the current trend in both industrial and academic research pointing towards green and sustainable processes, several strategies that meet these requirements are currently available in the literature. This Minireview summarizes [2+2] and [4+2] photocycloadditions that do not require the use of metal photocatalysts by means of alternative strategies. It is segmented according to the cycloaddition type in order to give the reader a friendly approach and we primarily focus on the most recent developments in the field carried out using visible light, a general overview of the mechanism in each case is offered as well.

Automated summary

The use of photochemical transformations to synthesize complex molecules from simple starting materials is a promising approach in response to the trend towards green and sustainable processes. This Minireview focuses on [2+2] and [4+2] photocycloadditions that do not rely on metal photocatalysts, providing alternative strategies for green chemistry.