Bifunctional reagents in organic synthesis

Developments in synthetic chemistry are increasingly driven by improvements in the selectivity and sustainability of transformations. Bifunctional reagents, either as dual coupling partners or as a coupling partner in combination with an activating species, offer an atom-economic approach to chemical complexity, while suppressing the formation of waste. These reagents are employed in organic synthesis thanks to their ability to form complex organic architectures and empower novel reaction pathways. This Review describes several key bifunctional reagents by showcasing selected cornerstone research areas and examples, including radical reactions, C-H functionalization, cross-coupling, organocatalysis and cyclization reactions.

Automated summary

Developments in synthetic chemistry are increasingly focused on improving selectivity and sustainability through the use of bifunctional reagents. These reagents offer an atom-economic approach to chemical complexity while reducing waste formation. Widely employed in organic synthesis, they enable the formation of complex organic architectures and novel reaction pathways.