Selective reductive transformations using samarium diiodide-water

摘要

Samarium diiodide (SmI_2) is one of the most important reductive electron transfer reagents available in the laboratory. Key to the popularity of SmI_2 is the ability of additives and co-solvents to tune the properties of the reagent. Over the last decade water has emerged as a particularly valuable additive, opening up new chemical space and leading to the discovery of unprecedented selectivity and new reactions promoted by SmI_2. In this Feature Article we review recent progress in the application of SmI_2-H_2O systems, with an emphasis on mechanistic considerations and the development of new transformations.