Bimetallic (or Multimetallic) Synthesis of N-Heterocycles

Abstract

Bimetallic (or multimetallic) catalysis has emerged as a powerful tool in modern chemical synthesis, offering improved reaction control and versatility. This review focuses on the recent developments in bimetallic sequential catalysis for the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles, which are essential building blocks in pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. The cooperative action of two (sometimes more) different metal catalysts enables intricate control over reaction pathways, enhancing the selectivity and efficiency of the synthesis of N-heterocyclic compounds. By activating less reactive substrates, this multimetal catalytic strategy opens new synthetic possibilities for challenging compounds. The use of catalytic materials in bimetallic systems reduces waste and improves atom efficiency, aligning with green chemistry principles. With a diverse range of metal combinations and reaction conditions, bimetallic catalysis provides access to a broad array of N-heterocyclic compounds with various functionalities. This paper highlights the significant progress made in the past decade in this topic, emphasizing the promising potential of bimetallic catalysis in drug discovery and the fine chemical industries.