The Pauson-Khand Reaction: Scope, Variations and Applications

The Pauson-Khand reaction is an important reaction in the field of organic chemistry. It involves the transition-metal catalysed cycloaddition of an alkyne, an alkene and carbon monoxide, to produce cyclopentenones. The importance of this reaction originates from its high value in transforming simple components into the synthetically useful cyclopentenone unit, in which a high degree of molecular complexity can be achieved in a single step, with impressive stereochemical and regiochemical control.

The Pauson-Khand Reaction investigates the nature and many variations of this reaction, including:

• the mechanism of the Pauson-Khand reaction
• non-chiral Pauson-Khand reactions
• diastereoselective Pauson-Khand reactions
• asymmetric Pauson-Khand reactions using chiral auxiliaries
• enantioselective Pauson-Khand reactions
• recent advances in catalytic Pauson-Khand reactions
• the Pauson-Khand reaction in total synthesis
• heterogenous catalytic Pauson-Khand reactions
• other carbonylative cyclizations leading to cyclopentenones

Presenting a comprehensive overview of this fundamental reaction, The Pauson-Khand Reaction will find a place on the bookshelves of any organic or organometallic chemist.