2023/01/24 by Peter Bellotti, Huan‐Ming Huang, Teresa Faber +1 · 6 citations
Chemistry · #Catalytic C–H Functionalization Methods #Radical Photochemical Reactions #Synthesis and Catalytic Reactions
paper · doi:10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00478
openalex publication_date 2023/01/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
The emergence of modern photocatalysis, characterized by mildness and selectivity, has significantly spurred innovative late-stage C-H functionalization approaches that make use of low energy photons as a controllable energy source. Compared to traditional late-stage functionalization strategies, photocatalysis paves the way toward complementary and/or previously unattainable regio- and chemoselectivities. Merging the compelling benefits of photocatalysis with the late-stage functionalization workflow offers a potentially unmatched arsenal to tackle drug development campaigns and beyond. This Review highlights the photocatalytic late-stage C-H functionalization strategies of small-molecule drugs, agrochemicals, and natural products, classified according to the targeted C-H bond and the newly formed one. Emphasis is devoted to identifying, describing, and comparing the main mechanistic scenarios. The Review draws a critical comparison between established ionic chemistry and photocatalyzed radical-based manifolds. The Review aims to establish the current state-of-the-art and illustrate the key unsolved challenges to be addressed in the future. The authors aim to introduce the general readership to the main approaches toward photocatalytic late-stage C-H functionalization, and specialist practitioners to the critical evaluation of the current methodologies, potential for improvement, and future uncharted directions.