The Heck Reaction Applied to 1,3-and 1,2-Unsaturated Derivatives, a Way towards Molecular Complexity

This review is an overview of the last ten years' use of the Mizoroki-Heck coupling applied to 1,2- and 1,3-dienes. Since both these systems form pi-allyl palladium intermediates in Pd(0) coupling, they show particular chemical behavior. Many examples of 1,2-dienes Heck reactions are presented. 1,2-Dienes are important substrates because of their high reactivity that makes them useful building blocks for the synthesis of biologically relevant structures.