Radical cascade cyclization of 1,n-enynes and diynes for the synthesis of carbocycles and heterocycles

Carbo- and heterocycles are widely found in natural products, biologically active structures, medicinally relevant compounds, and in many other fine chemicals. The development of novel, general and efficient methods for their construction has therefore gained great interest in synthetic organic chemistry. Recently, radical chemistry has become a heavily investigated research field (a renaissance!). Along these lines, radical cascade cyclization of 1,n-enynes and diynes has emerged as a powerful strategy for the preparation of carbo- and heterocycles. In this review, we highlight recent advances in this rapidly growing area also focusing on reaction mechanisms.