Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

A Microwave-Assisted Direct Heteroarylation of Ketones Using Transition Metal Catalysis
Published on: February 16, 2020
Directed remote aromatic metalations: mechanisms and driving forces
David Tilly1, Jakob Magolan, Jacques Mortier
1Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies, Griffith University, Don Young Road, Nathan 4111, Queensland, Australia. dp.tilly@laposte.net
Directed remote aromatic metalations offer efficient synthesis of complex aromatic systems. This review clarifies regioselectivity mechanisms, advancing synthetic chemistry predictability beyond the complex-induced proximity effect (CIPE).
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Synthetic Chemistry
Background:
- Directed remote aromatic metalations are key for synthesizing complex aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds.
- Regioselective synthesis is crucial for accessing highly substituted carbocyclic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and rationalize the regioselectivity of directed remote aromatic metalations.
- To provide advanced mechanistic insights beyond the complex-induced proximity effect (CIPE).
Main Methods:
- Critical analysis of selected examples from existing literature.
- Discussion of mechanisms, driving forces, and influencing parameters.
Main Results:
- Advanced rationalizations for remote metalation regioselectivities are presented.
- Mechanisms are discussed, offering a deeper understanding of the transformations.
Conclusions:
- Understanding these metalation mechanisms enhances the predictability of regiochemical outcomes.
- This review consolidates knowledge on directed remote aromatic metalations for synthetic chemists.
Related Concept Videos
Directing Effect of Substituents: meta-Directing Groups
ortho–para-Directing Activators: –CH3, –OH, –⁠NH2, –OCH3
Directing Effect of Substituents: ortho–para-Directing Groups
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Overview
meta-Directing Deactivators: –NO2, –CN, –CHO, –⁠CO2R, –COR, –CO2H
Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution: Elimination–Addition

