Synthesis 2018; 50(21): 4216-4228
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1610282
short review
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Merging Transition-Metal Catalysis with Phthalimides: A New Entry to Useful Building Blocks

Yu-Chao Yuan
,
Christian Bruneau
,
Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR – UMR 6226, 35000 Rennes, France   Email: rafael.gramage-doria@univ-rennes1.fr
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 20 July 2018

Accepted after revision: 23 August 2018

Publication Date:
17 September 2018 (online)


Abstract

Phthalimides have found their main application in organic synthesis as protecting groups for primary amines during the multistep synthesis of biologically relevant targets. On the other hand, phthalimide functionalization is rather challenging and it is traditionally associated with the use of over-stoichiometric amounts of environmentally hazardous reagents. In this short review, we describe and discuss how, in the last decades, transition-metal catalysts have provided useful organic building blocks after selective transformation of the phthalimide skeleton in a more efficient and sustainable manner.

1 Introduction

2 Partial Carbonyl Reduction

3 Full Carbonyl Reduction

4 Aromatic Ring Reduction

5 Five-Membered-Ring Opening

6 Conclusion