Development of New Catalytic Reactions Based on Activation of Hydrocarbon Functional Groups by Lewis Acids

Abstract

Over a long period of time, in the field of synthetic organic chemistry, Lewis acids have been used mainly as activators for heteroatom-containing functional groups such as carbonyls, imines and halides. In contrast to the traditional approach utilizing such Lewis acid chemistry, we have been focusing on developing new catalytic reactions on the basis of activation of hydrocarbon functional groups by Lewis acids. In order to activate effectively the hydrocarbon functional groups classified into C≡C, C=C, C−C and C−H, an appropriate choice of a Lewis acid catalyst is a crucial aspect. Herein, I disclose our recent achievements based on the Lewis acid-activated hydrocarbon functional groups.