PdII Catalysis: Recent Advances in the Intramolecular Wacker-Type Reaction of Alkenols and Related Domino Reactions

This review surveys the last twenty years of the PdII-catalysed oxaheterocyclisation of alkenes bearing a hydroxylated tether as well as the plausible subsequent in situ reactions, the intramolecular C–O bond formation being the first step of a domino process involving, among others, the Heck reaction, etherification, esterification and lactonisation. Versatile intermediates usable for the total synthesis of natural products have been thus produced. The proposed reaction mechanisms are highlighted with, as far as possible, personal comments.