Photochemical α-Deracemization of Carbonyl Compounds

Carbonyl compounds with a tertiary stereocenter at the α-position are an important class of building blocks in organic synthesis. However, efficient and enantioselective synthesis of this type of compounds are nontrivial. Photochemical deracemization reactions have emerged as a powerful tool towards this end. In this Digest, three recent studies are highlighted to demonstrate the great potential of this strategy and stimulate further development in this area.