Transition metal-mediated routes to cyclopentenones

Cyclopentenones are not only key building blocks for organic synthesis, but many possess interesting biological properties in their own right. This review begins with an overview of the biological importance of cyclopentenones and a summary of the main classical routes to cyclopentenones. A detailed account of recent advances in transition metal-mediated approaches to cyclopentenones follows. The aim of the review is to draw attention to transition metal-mediated approaches to cyclopentenones that are starting to be applied in organic synthesis, and to highlight promising cyclopentenone-forming reactions that have not yet realised their full potential in a synthetic context. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.