Catalytic Approaches to Multicomponent Reactions: A Critical Review and Perspectives on the Roles of Catalysis

In this review, we comprehensively describe catalyzed multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and the multiple roles of catalysis combined with key parameters to perform these transformations. Besides improving yields and shortening reaction times, catalysis is vital to achieving greener protocols and to furthering the MCR field of research. Considering that MCRs typically have two or more possible reaction pathways to explain the transformation, catalysis is essential for selecting a reaction route and avoiding byproduct formation. Key parameters, such as temperature, catalyst amounts and reagent quantities, were analyzed. Solvent effects, which are likely the most neglected topic in MCRs, as well as their combined roles with catalysis, are critically discussed. Stereocontrolled MCRs, rarely observed without the presence of a catalytic system, are also presented and discussed in this review. Perspectives on the use of catalytic systems for improved and greener MCRs are finally presented.

Automated summary

In this review, catalyzed multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and the importance of catalysis combined with key parameters are comprehensively described. Catalysis not only improves yields and shortens reaction times, but it also plays a vital role in achieving greener protocols and advancing the MCR field of research. Key parameters such as temperature, catalyst amounts, and reagent quantities are analyzed. The role of solvents, often overlooked in MCRs, and their combined effects with catalysis are critically discussed. The review also presents and discusses stereocontrolled MCRs, which are rarely observed without the presence of a catalytic system. Perspectives on the use of catalytic systems for improved and greener MCRs are presented.