Recent advances in green multi-component reactions for heterocyclic compound construction

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Green Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Multi-component reactions (MCRs) are efficient synthetic strategies forming complex molecules from multiple reactants in one pot.
• Heterocyclic compounds are crucial in pharmaceuticals and natural products, necessitating sustainable synthesis methods.
• Green chemistry principles emphasize minimizing waste, energy, and hazardous substances in chemical processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements (2018-2024) in green multi-component reactions for synthesizing heterocyclic compounds.
• To explore environmentally friendly MCR methodologies, including photoredox catalysis, electrochemical activation, catalyst-free conditions, and aqueous media.
• To analyze the strengths, limitations, substrate scope, yields, and mechanisms of these green MCR approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2024.
• Focus on multi-component reactions (MCRs) employing green chemistry principles.
• Categorization of MCRs based on activation methods: photoredox catalysis, electrochemistry, catalyst-free, and aqueous solvent systems.

Main Results:

• Significant progress in green MCRs for heterocycle synthesis, enhancing atom efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
• Demonstrated success of photoredox catalysis, electrochemistry, and catalyst-free methods in various green MCRs.
• Effective utilization of water as a green solvent in numerous MCRs for heterocycle preparation.

Conclusions:

• Green MCRs are pivotal for sustainable synthesis of valuable heterocycles in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Emerging green methodologies provide efficient and environmentally benign routes to complex heterocyclic structures.
• Continued research in green MCRs will drive innovation in sustainable synthetic chemistry.