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| A classic example of the Heck reaction. |
By installing a double bond functionality to an aromatic substrate in a Heck reaction, the synthetic utility of the resulting compound can be greatly enhanced. The reactive double bond can serve as a handle for further manipulations, such as metathesis, epoxidation, difunctionalization, hydrogenation, hydroformylation and so on, and many of these reactions have their asymmetric versions.
As the Heck reaction is fascinating both in scope and also mechanism (and stereochemical aspect), one can easily see that many further developments and studies have been committed to put this reaction into its maximum potential. Cationic, oxidative, or even asymmetric Heck reactions are present in the arsenal, and I am sure more innovative variations will emerge. Without the wisdom of Prof. Heck, I suppose synthesis nowadays will have far more road blocks on the way.
Dedicated with respect and admiration.
by Ed Law
18/10/2015
