Contemporary Strategies in SmI2 Catalysis: A Reagent Reborn

The strategies adopted in the development of SmII-catalyzed processes are critically evaluated. In particular, we examine promising approaches using stoichiometric sacrificial reductants, electrochemical methods, photochemical processes, and electron recycling through back electron transfer to Sm. While each strategy has considerable potential for facilitating catalytic SmII transformations, they also face specific challenges relating to efficiency, selectivity, scalability, and generality. We highlight the strengths and limitations of each approach, discuss recent advances, and identify challenges that remain. By offering an in-depth analysis of the current state-of-the-art in SmII catalysis, we aim to guide future research to complete the reinvention of SmI2 as a tool for sustainable catalysis.