Successors of SmI₂: Next Generation Metal, Photo and Electro-Catalysis for Reductive Organic Synthesis

Electron transfer plays a pivotal role in generating radical intermediates which are pillars of constructing complex molecular structure. Since the introduction by Kagan, SmI₂ played a key role in the single electron transfer mediated reductive transformations. Despite significant applications of SmI₂ in high profile synthesis of natural products, usage of SmI₂ was discoursed due to high molecular weight of reagent, less solubility and most importantly stoichiometric nature of the reactions. Recent years have witnessed a renaissance in photo-and electro-catalytic reactions which are more sustainable in nature. A handful of these reactions showed the potential to replace SmI₂ as more sustainable and greener alternative. This prospective article aims to demonstrate potential reducing systems to replace the use of SmI₂.