Recent advances in visible light-induced C1(sp3)-H functionalization of tetrahydroisoquinolines for C–C bond formation

Tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) are a significant class of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds often occurring in natural products and pharmaceuticals, exhibiting excellent biological activities and chemical properties, and also having a wide range of applications in synthetic chemistry, functional materials, and the pharmaceutical industry. Thus, much effort has been devoted to the synthesis and derivatization of THIQs. C–C bond formation is the most important area in organic synthesis via direct C–H functionalization. In recent years, visible light-induced C1(sp3)-H functionalization of THIQs for the construction of C–C bonds has emerged as an active area of research. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in visible light-induced C–C bond formation via C1(sp3)-H functionalization of THIQs over the past twelve years. The reaction parameters, generality of substrate scope, and some typical reaction mechanisms were also discussed. This review aims to provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the progress made in the domain of visible light-induced C–C bond formation of THIQs.