E/Z Photoisomerization of Olefins as an Emergent Strategy for the Control of Stereodivergence in Catalysis

Abstract

The stereoselective photoisomerization of olefins via Energy Transfer (EnT) sensitization bears significant potential in the context of rational design of catalytic stereodivergent methodologies. Whereas approaches for controlling the access to E- and Z- isomers depend highly on the nature of the catalyst – and therefore are not easily implemented as a general strategy – EnT catalysis has emerged in recent years as an increasingly powerful tool for olefin geometry control in a nearly perfect step-economic fashion. Moreover, this approach presents both high functional group tolerance and, most notably, has demonstrated ample multicatalytic compatibility. This feature has enabled the development of tandem stereodivergent catalytic strategies, which are the focus of this Review. (Figure presented.)