This review will focus on the recent advances of radical and photo reactions and their applications in the natural products total synthesis. A brief introduction to the development and mechanism of the newly developed radical and photo reactions will be presented. The organization of the each section is based on the type of reactions used. Examples of synthetic applications are discussed to demonstrate the potential of related methodologies and inspire future explorations.
Direct aldol condensation of various aromatic, heteroaromatic, α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and aliphatic aldehydes with acyldiazomethane was realized using Mgl2 etherate （Mgl2.（Et2O）n） as a promoter in the presence of diisopropyl amine （DIPEA） in excellent yields in a short time under mild conditions with high chemoselectivity. Iodide counterion, and a non-coordinating less ploar reaction media （i.e., CH2C12） are among the critical factors for this unique reactivity.
