N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction has been recognized as an enabling tool in the synthesis of complex ketones in recent years. This strategy enables the direct acylation of various alkyl halides under an organocatalytic system.

Abstract

During the past decades, N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed reactions have emerged as a versatile tool in synthetic chemistry. In particular, NHC-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction has been significantly developed in many respects, including new reaction development and mechanistic investigation. This concept article presents recent advances towards direct cross-coupling reactions of aldehydes with alkyl halides enabled by NHC organocatalysis.