Synthesis of enamines, enol ethers and related compounds by cross-coupling reactions

For several decades, enamines and related compounds have been used as intermediates in organic synthesis and many methods are known for their preparation. Most of the synthetic protocols, however, require harsh reaction conditions. Recently, a new approach has emerged, inspired by the analogous arylation of amines catalysed by palladium or copper complexes (Buchwald-Hartwig reaction). Simultaneous and independent work from several research groups has led to the development of very powerful protocols for the preparation of enamines and their derivatives that require only readily available starting materials and proceed under very mild reaction conditions. Noteworthy is the fact that in less than five years an almost unknown reaction has reached such a high level of scope and generality that it is now very frequently applied in total syntheses of natural products.