Illuminating Total Synthesis: Strategic Applications of Photochemistry in Natural Product Construction

Synthesizing natural substances has always been a significant challenge for organic chemists. The key to a successful total synthesis lies in utilizing reactions that generate molecular complexity with high stereocontrol. Photochemical reactions offer immense potential in this regard, though their complex mechanisms require careful mastery. This review explores recent examples from the literature where light-mediated reactions are crucial, often irreplaceable by thermal alternatives. The manuscript is organized by different photochemical processes, each introduced with relevant background. This review does not offer a complete analysis of all recent light-assisted syntheses; rather, it offers a glimpse into the growing trend of using photo-driven transformations to address significant synthetic challenges.