Transition metal-catalyzed three-component coupling of allenes and the related allylation reactions

The feature article surveys the transition metal-catalyzed three-component coupling of allenes and the related allylation reactions. Most of the reactions shown in the article mechanistically proceed via oxidative addition of organic electrophiles to metals, followed by carbometallation of allene and then transmetalation by main group metals or reagents and organometallic reagents. These reactions provide an efficient route for the synthesis of various substituted allyl and vinyl metal reagents and complex organic molecules in highly regio-, stereo- and chemoselective manner in one pot. The metal reagents or pi-allyl-metal intermediates obtained from the reaction are utilized for the allylation of aldehydes, ketones and imines, producing various homoallylic alcohols and amines in a highly regio- and stereoselective manner.