Lewis Base Catalyzed Nucleophilic Substitutions of Alcohols

Nucleophilic substitutions (S_N) at sp³-hybridized carbon centers are one of the most fundamental type of transformation in organic synthesis. Taking the importance of bimolecular S_N reactions into account, catalytic variants must be considered as underdeveloped. This review highlights the most recent progress in the emerging field of Lewis base catalyzed S_N-type transformations that are mediated by simple acid chlorides and anhydrides. 1 Introduction 2 Phosphine Oxide and Cyclopropenone Catalysis 3 Formamide Catalysis 4 Other Catalytic Systems 5 Conclusion