Pd-catalyzed α-Arylation of Carbonyl and Related Compounds: Recent Developments and Perspectives

The palladium-catalyzed α-arylation of carbonyl-type compounds is a relatively emerging field within the cross-coupling arena. In recent years, these processes have experienced an exponential growth, particularly in the development of enantioselective variants of these reactions. Beyond any reasonable doubt, palladium-catalyzed α-arylation reactions represent a straightforward alternative to the classical synthesis of α-aryl carbonyl-type compounds that oftentimes involves time-consuming and economically inefficient steps. This review summarizes the last developments in the last 5 years, hence providing a general overview of the current state of the art for palladium-catalyzed α-arylation processes.