Indium(III)-Catalyzed Transformations of Alkynes: Recent Advances in Carbo- and Heterocyclization Reactions

The use of a well-chosen catalyst is instrumental for the development of more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly reactions. In recent decades, indium-based catalysts have proven to be competitive and useful alternatives to transition-metal catalysts such as silver and gold. In this short review, we present some of the recent advances in indium(III)-catalyzed transformations of alkynes, with a focus on cyclization reactions. 1 Introduction 2 Terminal Alkynes as Nucleophiles 3 Nucleophilic Additions to Alkynes 4 Carbo- and Heterocyclization Reactions 4.1 Carbocyclization 4.2 Oxygen-Based Heterocycles 4.3 Nitrogen-Based Heterocycles 4.4 Sulfur-Based Heterocycles 5 Conclusion