Arene activation via π-bond localization: concepts and opportunities
Dearomatization reactions of aromatic feedstocks constitute a highly efficient and conceptually powerful class of transformations for the synthesis of complex, three-dimensional molecular architectures with tailored physicochemical properties. Despite notable advances in dearomative methodologies ov...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article (Journal) |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
09 February 2026
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| In: |
Beilstein journal of organic chemistry
Year: 2026, Volume: 22, Pages: 257-273 |
| ISSN: | 1860-5397 |
| DOI: | 10.3762/bjoc.22.19 |
| Online Access: | Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.3762/bjoc.22.19 Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://www.beilstein-journals.org/bjoc/articles/22/19 
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| Author Notes: | Paul Meiners, Julian J. Melder and Tobias Morack |
| Summary: | Dearomatization reactions of aromatic feedstocks constitute a highly efficient and conceptually powerful class of transformations for the synthesis of complex, three-dimensional molecular architectures with tailored physicochemical properties. Despite notable advances in dearomative methodologies over the past decades, the selective and controlled disruption of the aromatic core continues to represent a fundamental challenge in synthetic chemistry. In this review, we delineate the potential of π-bond localization within the aromatic framework as a general strategy for arene activation and dearomatization. Four distinct approaches are discussed, encompassing localization of the arene π-bonds through small-ring annelation as well as transition metal coordination to aromatic fragments in an η2-, η3-, and η4-fashion. The structural and reactivity consequences of these perturbations are analyzed in detail, and representative examples of stoichiometric and, where available, catalytic applications in synthesis are highlighted. Collectively, these concepts create a roadmap for the development of new strategies that harness π-bond localization to expand the synthetic utility of aromatic compounds. |
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| Item Description: | Veröffentlicht: 09. Februar 2026 Gesehen am 17.03.2026 |
| Physical Description: | Online Resource |
| ISSN: | 1860-5397 |
| DOI: | 10.3762/bjoc.22.19 |