Evolution towards green radical generation in total synthesis

The use of radicals as intermediates in total synthesis has evolved since their initial use in the latter half of the twentieth century. Radical generation from metal hydride methodologies has shifted to greener techniques including catalytic metal-mediated systems, electrochemical and photoredox-mediated processes. This review will focus on these classical and contemporary methods for radical generation and their applications in recent total syntheses.

Automated summary

The use of radicals as intermediates in total synthesis has evolved from metal hydride methodologies to greener techniques such as catalytic metal-mediated systems, electrochemical, and photoredox-mediated processes. This review focuses on both classical and contemporary methods for radical generation and their applications in recent total syntheses.