Quinuclidine and its derivatives as hydrogen-atom-transfer catalysts in photoinduced reactions

Hydrogen-atom-transfer (HAT) is an efficient way for direct C == H functionalization of inert C == H bonds, therefore it has attracted great interests in recent years. So far, various HAT catalysts have been developed. Among them, quinuclidine and its derivatives show different characters toward other HAT catalysts as they tend to abstract electron-rich and hydridic hydrogens in the presence of weak and neutral C == H bonds. These features enable direct C == H functionalization of compounds with various groups which are unable or difficult by other methods. This review summarizes recent advance of photoinduced reactions with quinuclidine and its derivatives as HAT catalysts and exhibits powerful synthetic potential by using quinuclidine and its derivatives as HAT catalysts. (c) 2021 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Quinuclidine and its derivatives as HAT catalysts show unique characteristics in direct C == H functionalization of compounds with various groups by abstracting electron-rich and hydridic hydrogens. Their application potential in this field is highlighted due to these features.