Recent Advances in the Pauson–Khand Reaction

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of recent developments in the Pauson–Khand reaction. The work that is discussed herein is selected from the time period 2013–2018, and only cobalt‐mediated versions of the Pauson–Khand reaction are considered. This review is focused on the discussion of developments in the areas of reaction promotion, novel substrates, asymmetric variants, mechanistic studies, and applications in total synthesis. The quantity and range of work published within the review period reflects the continued and sustained interest in the Pauson–Khand reaction and the application of this annulation protocol in organic synthesis. Notable advances in the review period include the use of flow chemistry, techniques of enhanced efficiency for use with electron‐poor alkenes and internal alkynes, further insight into the reaction mechanism, and remarkable applications in complex natural product synthesis.