Visible light-mediated halofunctionalization of alkenes for the synthesis of vicinally functionalized organohalides

Abstract

Vicinally functionalized organohalides are employed in many reactions to prepare useful molecules. Among the various methods reported, halofunctionalization of alkenes has emerged as a powerful strategy for the preparation of these compounds because this process enables the introduction of halogen atoms and other functional groups into unsaturated carbon–carbon bonds. The use of visible light and photoredox catalysis has recently emerged as a powerful and sustainable tool for organic synthesis. In this review, we summarize recent advances and achievements in the visible light-mediated halofunctionalization of alkenes. For clarity, the reactions were classified according to the type of functional groups introduced. Additionally, this review highlights the mechanistic aspects of these reactions, particularly the generation of reactive intermediates such as nitrogen-centered radicals, halogen radicals, and carbon-centered radicals under photocatalytic conditions.