Recent Advances in Transformations Involving Electron-Rich Alkenes: Functionalization, Cyclization, and Cross-Metathesis Reactions

Due to the versatile reactivity and molecular complexity, as well as diversity, electron-rich alkenes bearing nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms have been regarded as versatile reagents in organic synthesis. This review mainly focuses on the recent advances in the reaction development of electron-rich alkenes since 2000, including mono-/difunctionalization reactions, cyclization reactions, and cross-metathesis reactions. Numerous protocols enabling facile and efficient transformations of electron-rich alkenes to valuable compounds have been developed, which are discussed with special emphasis placed on the mechanistic aspects and the synthetic utilities. We hope that this review will help inspire future studies and promote developments in this area.