Well-defined copper(I) complexes for Click azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions: one Click beyond

The discovery of copper(I) species as excellent catalysts for the regioselective cycloaddition reactions of azides and alkynes served as proof-of-concept of the importance of Click chemistry and opened a broad field of research that has found numerous ramifications in biochemistry, materials and medicinal science, for instance. The use of ligands in this context not only serves to stabilize the oxidation state of copper, but has also been shown to increase and modulate its reactivity. Still, efforts focused on developing more efficient catalytic systems for this transformation remain limited. Herein, the catalytic activities of ligated copper systems are reviewed in a way intended inspirational for further developments.