N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis under Oxidizing Conditions

• Published in: Catalysts Vol. 8; no. 11; p. 549
• Main Authors: Krzysztof Dzieszkowski, Zbigniew Rafiński
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 16-11-2018
• Subjects: acylazolium; Breslow intermediate; catalysis; N-heterocyclic carbenes; oxidations
• ISSN: 2073-4344
• DOI: 10.3390/catal8110549

N-heterocyclic carbene organocatalysis under oxidizing conditions provides a vast range of various synthetic procedures via diverse mechanisms. The available catalysts, bases, oxidants, and oxidizing methods afford numerous opportunities for developing this branch of organocatalysis. Furthermore, implementation of tandem reactions and cooperative catalysis in the described methodology significantly expands the possibilities of modern organic chemistry. This approach allows the synthesis of different structurally complex and often enantiomerically enriched substances, which can be interesting in terms of biological activity and natural product synthesis. Many esters, amides, thioesters, lactams, lactones, and other cyclic compounds obtained in oxidative or oxygenative reactions promoted by N-heterocyclic carbenes can be interesting precursors in advanced organic synthesis. Sophistication and broad applicability prove that the described synthetic approaches are exceptionally worthy of further development.