Iodinative Amidation γ-Lactam

Transition-Metal-Free One-Step

A visible-light, iodoform-mediated radical cascade directly constructs γ-lactams, avoiding transition metals and harsh conditions with high functional group tolerance.

Yang, Rui · 80261753 · Yu, Huaguang · Han, Ying · Hou, Hong · Zhu, Shaoqun

Chemistry - A European Journal 2026

Advantages

No transition metal needed

The reaction employs iodoform as the iodine source, generating iodine radicals via photochemical homolysis, thus avoiding transition metals and reducing cost and environmental burden.

Mild conditions

The reaction proceeds under visible light irradiation, without high temperature or strong oxidants, simplifying operation.

High functional group tolerance

Various functional groups in substrates remain intact during the reaction, making this method suitable for late-stage modification of complex molecules.

Applications

• Drug Molecule Synthesis：Rapidly constructs γ-lactam scaffolds under mild conditions, suitable for synthesizing lactam-containing drugs.
• Natural Product Total Synthesis：Provides a metal-free approach to γ-lactams, applicable in total synthesis of lactam-containing natural products.
• Lactam-Containing Drug Development：Directly constructs γ-lactam structural motifs, offering a new tool for developing lactam-containing drugs.
• Methodology Development：Demonstrates a visible-light-mediated radical cascade strategy for methodology expansion.