Electron‐Rich Oxycarbenes: New Synthetic and Catalytic Applications beyond Group 6 Fischer Carbene Complexes

Abstract

AbstractOxycarbenes have emerged as useful intermediates in synthetic chemistry. Compared to the widely studied oxycarbene metal complexes bearing Group 6 metals, the synthetic and catalytic applications of oxycarbenes beyond Group 6 Fischer carbene complexes are less explored because of the difficulty in controlling their reactivity and the need to use a stoichiometric amount of a presynthesized Group 6 metal carbene complex as the starting material. This Minireview summarizes early synthetic and catalytic applications of late‐transition‐metal oxycarbene complexes and highlights recent advances in free oxycarbene reactions and transition‐metal‐catalyzed reactions involving oxycarbenes. We hope this Minireview will inspire further developments in this emerging area.