Activation of C-O Bonds: Stoichiometric and Catalytic Reactions

Abstract

The C-O bond cleavage promoted by transition metal complexes is becoming an important process in organic synthesis. A survey of the stoichiometric reactions involving activation of the C-O bond by transition metal complexes as well as their synthetic applications is provided. After a survey of recent reports on the cleavage of allylic C-O bond that has been extensively utilized in organic synthesis the review focuses on the cleavage of single C-O bonds in esters, ethers, and anhydrides activated by transition metals. The cleavage of C-O multiple bonds is also discussed.