Selective reductive transformations using samarium diiodide-water

Abstract

Samarium diiodide (SmI₂) is one of the most important reductive electron transfer reagents available in the laboratory. Key to the popularity of SmI₂ 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 SmI₂. In this Feature Article we review recent progress in the application of SmI₂–H₂O systems, with an emphasis on mechanistic considerations and the development of new transformations.