Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Isocoumarins and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons for Photoactive Materials

Abstract

The discovery of transition metal-catalyzed selective activation of aromatic carbon–hydrogen bonds in 1993 has opened a new era in the synthesis of carbo- and heterocyclic compounds. This review covers the applications of oxidative annulations of aromatic compounds with alkynes involving CH activation for the synthesis of isocoumarins and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The limitations, advantages, and mechanical aspects of this approach as well as the current tendencies in the application of the reaction products for photoactive materials are discussed.