Revisiting applications of molecular iodine in organic synthesis

Molecular iodine contributes significantly to organic transformations in synthetic organic chemistry. It works effectively due to its mild Lewis acidic character, ability as an oxidizing agent, good moisture stability, and easy availability. It is non-toxic, cost-effective, non-metallic, environmentally benign, and has operational simplicity making it more popular for organic synthesis. In addition, many organic reactions show excellent stereo- and regio-selectivities within a short reaction time in common organic solvents. Previously, we reported the organic transformations catalyzed by molecular iodine up to 2012. In the present review article, we wish to highlight the significant and stringent achievements in molecular iodine catalyzed/promoted reactions from 2013 and onwards for researchers of chemistry, primarily during the last five years.