The concept of intramolecular radical ion cyclization reactions by photoinduced electron transfer (PET) is a powerful tool for constructing complex carbocyclic and heterocyclic ring systems. In this account we describe our earlier investigations in this field followed by the development of new approaches to the synthesis of polycyclic compounds. Radical ions generated by single-electron transfer (SET) from suitable neutral molecules are used as decisive intermediates in a wide range of interesting cyclization processes and reactions. Various synthetic strategies are presented involving radical anionic or radical cationic species generated by reductive and oxidative PET, respectively. 1 Introduction 2 General Concept 3 Reductive Electron Transfer: Formation of Ketyl and g-Keto Radicals 4 Oxidative Electron Transfer: Formation of a-and b-Keto Radicals 5 Su mmary