Synthesis 2008(20): 3183-3204  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1083164
REVIEW
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Construction of Heterocycles by the Strategic Use of Alkyne π-Activation in Catalyzed Cascade Reactions

Stefan F. Kirsch*
Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85747 Garching, Germany
Fax: +49(89)28913315; e-Mail: stefan.kirsch@ch.tum.de;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 31 March 2008
Publication Date:
25 September 2008 (online)

Abstract

This review highlights the synthesis of heterocycles via cascade reactions that involve the activation of an alkyne using carbophilic Lewis acids. Primarily guided by the type of reactivity evolving from the alkyne activation, such key steps are categorized as the addition of simple heteroatom nucleophiles, intramolecular carboalkoxylations, addition of carbonyl nucleophiles, rearrangement of propargylic esters, and enyne cycloisomerizations. Additionally, the functionalization of existing heterocycles is discussed.

1 Introduction

2 Functionalization of Existing Heterocycles

3 Synthesis of Heterocycles through Cyclization Reactions

3.1 Intramolecular Addition of Simple Heteroatom Nucleophiles

3.2 Intramolecular Carboalkoxylations and Carboaminations

3.3 Carbonyls and Imines as Nucleophiles

3.4 Propargylic Esters

3.5 Enyne Cycloisomerizations

4 Miscellaneous Reactions

5 Conclusions