Advances in Radical Remote γ-Functionalization of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds

Abstract

α,β-Unsaturated carbonyl compounds are of significant biological and industrial importance, playing a key role in pharmaceutical chemistry, particularly in drug design. γ-Enolizable carbonyl compounds exhibit unique reactivity when undergoing functionalization at the remote γ-position. Despite notable advancements, γ-functionalization of these compounds still confronts considerable unresolved challenges. Radical chemistry has emerged as a powerful tool for constructing carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds at the γ-position. In this review, we have summarized and categorized radical γ-functionalization methods developed over the past decades, focusing on substrates such as α,β-unsaturated amides, ketones, esters, and aldehydes.

Keywords

Enals - Radicals - Remote functionalization - Organocatalysis - Photochemistry

Publication History

Received: 30 June 2025

Accepted after revision: 29 August 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
19 September 2025

Article published online:
27 October 2025

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