Total Synthesis enabled by Epimerization with Hydrogen Atom Transfer

Abstract

In the synthesis of natural products, epimerization serves as a powerful tool when undesired stereochemistry is obtained. This short review introduces the total synthesis of Securinine alkaloids and Pleurotin utilizing epimerization through hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reaction with photoredox catalysts, reported by Han group and Sorensen group. HAT enable epimerization at untraditional positions, as they proceed dependently on the bond dissociation energy of C-H bonds.