Synthesis 2024; 56(12): 1843-1850
DOI: 10.1055/a-2232-8633
short review

Mechanism of the Mitsunobu Reaction: An Ongoing Mystery

Elizabeth A. Croll
,
Ohyun Kwon
We thank the National Institutes of Health (NIH; grant R01GM071779) for financial support.


Abstract

The Mitsunobu reaction is one the most widely known reactions in the organic chemistry canon. Despite its fame, some aspects of the mechanism remain poorly understood, 55 years after its initial discovery. This short review collates the findings of several publications focused on the mechanism of the Mitsunobu reaction, highlighting both the current state of knowledge and the remaining missing pieces.

1 Introduction

2 Mechanism Overview

3 Mechanistic Investigations

4 Conclusion



Publication History

Received: 14 November 2023

Accepted after revision: 19 December 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
19 December 2023

Article published online:
24 January 2024

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany