Because intramolecular anodic olefin coupling reactions involve a reversal in polarity of a normally nucleophilic olefin, they can be used to develop entirely new pathways to a variety of molecules. The reactions are compatible with a wide variety of functional groups, the generation of fused, bridged, and spirocyclic ring skeletons, and the formation of quaternary carbons. However, not all anodic olefin coupling reactions work. The reactions are triggered by the formation of a highly reactive radical cation intermediate. If the desired reaction pathway is not fast enough, then the radical cation will initiate undesirable reaction pathways, often involving elimination, fragmentation, or solvent trapping. When this occurs, the question quickly becomes what can be done to solve the problem and channel the reaction down a more productive pathway? The best way to address this question has been to carefully probe the mechanism of the reactions, identify the nature of the undesirable reactions, and then manipulate the relative rates of the reactions available to the radical cation to favor the process that is wanted. Several steps in the reaction can be important, but two play an especially important role (Scheme 1). First, the rate of the cyclization is important. If the cyclization is too slow, then side reactions involving the reactive radical cation will begin to dominate. The rate of the second oxidation (k2) is also critical for the success of the reaction. Many radical cyclizations are reversible and in those cases the loss of the second electron helps to drive the product to completion. Understanding these principles is essential for the design of more complex reactions, and in the talk to be presented, a series of new anodic cyclization reactions (Scheme 2) will be used to highlight the important interplay between mechanistic considerations and synthetic design. Each of the reactions discussed will involve a transformation that was originally a failure but is now a cornerstone of ongoing synthetic efforts. Figure 1