Demystifying the recent photochemical and electrochemical strategies in installing the magic methyl group: a comprehensive overview

Abstract

The strategic installation of the “magic methyl” group at a certain location in lead compounds has become an important tool for medicinal chemists in the field of drug discovery. Both photochemistry and electrochemistry have witnessed an explosive resurgence in recent years and emerged as a cornerstone of modern organic chemistry. In this review, we conducted an extensive data mining of the literature and provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in utilizing green photochemical and electrochemical methodologies for the incorporation of methyl groups, with specific emphasis on the methyl source, design strategies and reaction mechanisms. These research developments provide sustainable and broadly applicable tools to develop valuable methylated products with major prospects for the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, their applications in the late-stage functionalization of bioactive compounds are also demonstrated.