The Pauson-Khand reaction

Abstract

The transition metal mediated conversion of alkynes, alkenes, and carbon monoxide in a formal [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition process, commonly known as the Pauson-Khand reaction (PKR), is an elegant method for the construction of cyclopentenone scaffolds. During the last decade, significant improvements have been achieved in this area. For instance, catalytic PKR variants are nowadays possible with different metal sources. In addition, new asymmetric approaches were established and the reaction has been applied as a key step in various total syntheses. Recent work has also focused on the development of CO-free conditions, incorporating transfer carbonylation reactions. This review attempts to cover the most important developments in this area. © 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.