Radical acylation: concepts, synthetic applications and directions

Abstract

Ketones can serve as prevalent structural cores in natural products, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. The synthesis of ketones is one of the most commonly addressed problems in organic chemistry. Radical chemistry has made significant achievements in the last decade, also streamlining the “diversity-oriented” synthesis of functionalized ketones. This review summarizes and comments on progress in the acylation of carbon-centered radical intermediates for ketone synthesis. Reaction scopes, limitations and mechanisms are discussed based on reaction types and catalytic systems. Conclusions and perspectives are also discussed at the end.