Development in SmI2 Catalyzed Reactions

Samarium diiodide (SmI2) is a versatile single electron transfer (SET) reagent in organic synthesis. The advantages of SmI2 arise from various additive induced tailoring of reactions to obtain the desired products in a stereoselective fashion. In most instances, this reagent is used in stoichiometric amount, and this poses a significant environmental issue limiting a broader applicability of SmI2. Despite challenges in the developments of catalytic methods, recent studies have paved the way for catalytic strategies rejuvenating the applications of SmI2 in synthetic organic chemistry. This review aims to summarize different methods that are used to develop catalytic reactions of SmI2. A comparison of different approaches and future outlook of this field are discussed.

Automated summary

Samarium diiodide (SmI2) is a versatile single electron transfer reagent used in organic synthesis for stereoselective reactions. However, its stoichiometric usage poses environmental concerns limiting its broader applicability. Recent studies have focused on developing catalytic methods to rejuvenate the applications of SmI2 in synthetic organic chemistry.