Light-driven reactions of 2-methylbenzophenones (2-MBPs) occur with improved yields (up to >98%) and reaction rates (up to 0.240 mmol h-1) by using a tailored microfluidic photoreactor (MFP). For the first time, coumarins were converted into 4-benzylated chromanones in high yields (50-93%) and diastereoselectivity (up to >20 : 1 dr), thus by-passing their photo-dimerisation end-reaction.

CO is the ultimate renewable carbon source on Earth and the essential C building block for carbohydrate biosynthesis in photosynthetic organisms. Modern synthetic chemistry is facing the key challenge of developing fundamental transformations, such as C-C bond formation, in a sustainable and efficient manner from renewable sources. In this Minireview, the most significant methods recently reported for CO fixation under transition metal-free conditions are summarized, organized into three different chapters according to the nature of the chemical transformation that forges the new C-C bond. The focus is on the mechanistic aspects of the different CO activation modes, with specific attention to those systems that operate under catalytic conditions.

Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) adducts are versatile starting materials widely employed in Lewis base catalysis. A myriad of different transformations have been reported based on either allylic alkylations with stabilised nucleophiles or annulations with diverse dipolarophiles. Apart from these two conventional types of reactivity, MBH adducts have recently been implemented in alternative and complementary catalytic strategies, including: (i) one-pot and cascade transformations, where additional chemical bonds are formed following the asymmetric allylic alkylation event in a single synthetic operation; (ii) regioselective α-allylations for the synthesis of trisubstituted alkenes; and (iii) dual activation strategies, involving Lewis base catalysis together with transition metal complexes or light, enabling allylic alkylations with nonstabilised nucleophiles and cascade processes. The present Short Review summarises the most significant unconventional catalytic transformations of racemic MBH adducts reported within the last decade.1 Introduction2 Multi-Step Single-Vessel Transformations (path iii)2.1 One-Pot Transformations2.2 Cascade Transformations3 α-Allylations (path iv)3.1 SN2′ Mechanism3.2 SN2′–SN2 Mechanism3.3 Miscellaneous Mechanisms4 Dual Activation (path v)4.1 MBH Adduct as Electrophile4.2 MBH Adduct as Nucleophile5 Summary and Outlook

Organocatalytic enantioselective 1,3‐dipolar [6+4] cycloadditions of pyrylium ion intermediates with fulvenes promoted by a chiral primary amine catalyst have been developed to proceed in moderate to good yields and high enantioselectivities. The resultant chiral bicyclo[6.3.0]undecane scaffold containing a transannular bridging ether is densely functionalised providing a rigid scaffold for further manipulations. Computational studies give important insights into the role of the primary amine catalyst. Analysis of the reaction shows that the catalytic reaction proceeds in a step‐wise manner and rationalises the stereochemical outcome of the reaction. Several stereoselective complexity‐generating transformations, facilitated by the diverse functional groups and transannular bridge, are presented, highlighting the versatility of the core towards a number of the cyclooctanoid natural products.

Herein is reported the asymmetric allylic benzylation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) carbonates with 2-methylbenzophenone (MBP) derivatives as nonstabilized photogenerated C -nucleophiles. The dual activation of both reaction partners, chiral Lewis-base activation of the electrophile and light activation of the nucleophile, enables the stereoselective installation of benzyl groups at the allylic position to forge tertiary and quaternary carbon centers.