Overcoming synthetic challenges in target synthesis using SmI₂: recent advances

Samarium (ii) iodide (SmI₂, Kagan's reagent) is one of the most important reducing agents in organic synthesis. Its unique reactivity and selectivity makes it ideal for mediating key steps in target syntheses often providing outcomes that simply cannot be matched by other reagents. In this review we present selected examples of the application of SmI₂ in target-oriented synthesis during the last four years and describe the enabling role the reagent has played in the construction of natural products, unnatural bioactive compounds, and organic materials.