Transition metal-catalyzed cyclocarbonylation in organic synthesis

Cyclocarbonylation reactions proceed mainly by the coupling reactions of carbonylation components with cyclization components having an unsaturated π-electron bond, in the presence of transition metal compounds. The representative reactions are cyclocarbonylation of alkynes by carbon monoxide such as Pauson–Khand reactions, hetero Pauson–Khand reactions, cyclocarbonylation of alkynyl alcohols, cyclocarbonylation of alkynyl amines, cyclocarbonylative alkyne–alkyne coupling reactions, and reductive cyclocarbonylation of alkynes. The other reactions are cyclocarbonylation of alkenes by carbon monoxide such as alkene–alkene coupling reactions, cyclocarbonylation with aldehydes, ketones, amines or imines, cyclocarbonylation of alkenyl alcohols. Carbonylation via cyclometalation, carbonylative ring expansion reactions, cyclocarbonylation by aldehydes, carboxylic acids or carboxylic acid esters are also cyclocarbonylation reactions. These reactions are conveniently used for organic syntheses, especially, for the syntheses of pharmaceutical intermediates.