Advancements in organocatalysis for radical-mediated asymmetric synthesis: a recent perspective

Radical-mediated organic synthesis has arisen as a potent technique for forming carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds, displaying remarkable compatibility with diverse functional groups and superior chemoselectivity. Integrating radical transformations with asymmetric organocatalysis offers a valuable approach to accessing enantio-enriched molecules through unique pathways that differ from those facilitated by transition metal catalysis. Nevertheless, this combination continues to pose challenges due to the involvement of highly reactive intermediates, which may result in undesired background reactions and struggles in controlling stereochemistry. Recent advances in this field have led to the emergence of sophisticated strategies encompassing chemical, photochemical, and electrochemical methods. This review aims to provide a thorough overview of the mechanistic insights underlying these innovative reactions, including both catalytic activation patterns and bond formation processes. Furthermore, this review will delve into their synthetic applications, limitations, and the progress achieved between 2018 and 2023.