Light in SmI2‐mediated chemistry: Synthetic applications and mechanistic studies

Abstract

AbstractSmI2 is a versatile reagent in single electron transfer‐mediated reductive transformations. Photoexcitation of SmI2 generates a reactive excited state capable of transferring an electron to substrates that are recalcitrant towards accepting electrons. Synthetic results unequivocally indicate light as a green and sustainable promoter of SmI2‐mediated chemistry, with the potential to replace the suspected carcinogen hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA). Rate constants of photoinduced electron transfer from SmI2 are in the range of 107–109 M−1 s−1, which are an order of magnitude higher in comparison with the ground state process. Recent advancement in EuII‐ and CeIII‐based photo‐redox catalysis rejuvenated the area of photo‐catalyzed reactions of low‐valent lanthanides. This review article aims to illustrate the role of photoexcitation on SmI2‐mediated reductive transformations.