As nice as π: aromatic reactions activated by π‐coordination to transition metals

Williams, Luke J; Bhonoah, Yunas; Wilkinson, Luke A; Walton, James W

Abstract

π‐Coordination of aromatic molecules to metals dramatically alters their reactivity. For example, coordinated carbons become more electrophilic and C‐H bonds of coordinated rings become more acidic. For many years, this change in reactivity has been used to trigger reactions that would not take place for uncoordinated arenes, however, there has been a recent resurgence in use of this technique, in part due to the development of catalytic reactions in which π‐coordination is transient. In this minireview, we describe the key reaction chemistry of arenes coordinated to a range of transition metals, including stereoselective reactions and industrially relevant syntheses. We also summarize outstanding examples of catalytic processes. Finally, we give perspectives on the future direction of the field, with respect to both reactions that are stoichiometric in activating metals and those employing catalytic metal.

Citation

Williams, L. J., Bhonoah, Y., Wilkinson, L. A., & Walton, J. W. (2021). As nice as π: aromatic reactions activated by π‐coordination to transition metals. Chemistry - A European Journal, 27(11), 3650-3660. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202004621

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Nov 19, 2020
• Publication Date: Feb 19, 2021
• Deposit Date: Nov 19, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: May 19, 2021
• Journal: Chemistry - A European Journal
• Print ISSN: 0947-6539
• Electronic ISSN: 1521-3765
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 3650-3660
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202004621
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1256888
• Related Public URLs: https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/chem.202004621