Alkene Functionalizations via the Alkenyl Catellani Reaction

Palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis is widely regarded as an effective strategy for constructing polysubstituted arenes, providing a rapid and efficient route that is often difficult to accomplish using traditional cross-coupling methods. This review focuses on applying Pd/NBE cooperative catalysis to the functionalization of nonaromatic systems, referred to as the alkenyl Catellani reaction. The nonaromatic substrates discussed include uracil, 2-quinolone, 2-pyridone, alkene, coumarin, chromone, glycal, and 1,2-azaborine, all of which generate a broad range of functional alkenes. In addition, this review outlines developments in asymmetric alkenyl Catellani reactions and highlights their use in the total synthesis of structurally complex molecules.