N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed arene formation reactions

Abstract

N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed reactions for the formation of aromatic compounds are reviewed. The reactions are subdivided into 4 types based on their activation modes. A brief summary on the achievements and the challenges remaining in N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed arene construction processes is provided at the end of this review. An outlook into the future research direction within this field is also given based on our own opinion and knowledge on the trends of the development of NHC organocatalysis.