Synthesis and applications of rhodacyclopentanones derived from C–C bond activation

Abstract

Rhodacyclopentanones, an “sp³-rich” class of metallacycle, underpin an emerging range of catalytic methodologies for the direct generation of complex scaffolds. This review highlights strategies for accessing rhodacyclopentanones (and related species) by C–C bond activation of cyclobutanones or cyclopropanes. The scope and mechanism of methodologies that exploit these activation modes is outlined.