Pauson-Khand reaction transfer carbonylation

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. 

Recent developments have impressively enlarged the scope of Pauson-Khand reactions. Besides the elaboration of strategies for the enantioselective synthesis of cyclopentenones, it is often possible to perform PKR efficiently with a catalytic amount of a late transition metal complex. In general, different transition metal sources, e.g., Co, Rh, Ir, and Ti, can be applied in these reactions. Actual achievements demonstrate the possibility of replacing external carbon monoxide by transfer carbonylations. This procedure will surely encourage synthetic chemists to use the potential of the PKR more often in organic synthesis. However, apart from academic research, industrial applications of this methodology are still awaited. 

A Pauson-Khand type reaction of enynes, where the CO source is an aldehyde, has been reported by Morimoto and coworkers. This CO-transfer carbonylation system was carried ont with monomeric or dimeric rhodium complexes supported by monodentate or chelating phosphine ligands (e g. [RhCl(cod)]2/dppe or dppp [RhCl(CO)PPh3]). This reaction is snccessfiil for a series of enynes and aldehydes (Scheme 28). 

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