Recent advances on electrocyclic reactions in complex natural product synthesis: an update

Abstract

Electrocyclic reactions represent a fundamental class of organic transformations that play a pivotal role in the synthesis of structurally intricate and biologically active natural products. These reactions adhere to the Woodward–Hoffmann rules, which elucidate the stereochemical outcomes based on the symmetry properties of the molecular orbitals involved. Characterized by their ability to dictate regio- and stereochemistry with high fidelity, electrocyclic reactions have proven to be a reliable and efficient method for assembling complex polycyclic frameworks. This review highlights recent advances in the application of electrocyclic reactions within the total synthesis of notable natural products. It also includes short sections on electrocyclic reactions in biosynthesis and key methodological developments in this area over recent years, aiming to complement existing reviews.