I2/DMSO-mediated oxidative C–C and C–heteroatom bond formation: a sustainable approach to chemical synthesis

Abstract

The I₂/DMSO pair has emerged as a versatile, efficient, practical, and eco-friendly catalyst system, playing a significant role as a mild oxidative system, and thus employed as a good alternative to metal catalysts in synthetic chemistry. Presently, I₂/DMSO is a thriving catalytic system that is used in preparing C–C and C–X (X = O/S/N/Se/Cl/Br) bonds, resulting in the formation of various bioactive molecules. Many processes utilize this system, including in situ glyoxal synthesis by diverse sp, sp², and sp³ functionalities via iodination and subsequent Kornblum oxidation. Focusing on oxidation processes, this study examines the synergistic effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and molecular iodine in improving synthetic techniques. We provide a comprehensive overview of the research progress on the I₂/DMSO catalytic system for the formation of C–C and C–heteroatom bonds from 2018 to the present. Additionally, the future prospects of this research field are discussed.