Consecutive multicomponent reactions for the synthesis of complex molecules.

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Synthetic Chemistry

Background:

• Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are efficient one-pot syntheses involving at least three reactants.
• MCRs offer excellent atom, pot, and step economy for generating molecular diversity.
• Consecutive MCRs combine multiple MCRs for increased synthetic efficiency and complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review consecutive multicomponent reactions.
• To highlight key MCR-initiated consecutive reactions.
• To showcase the synthetic advantages of sequential MCRs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of consecutive MCRs.
• Focus on Ugi, Groebke-Blackburn-Bienaymé, Biginelli, Huisgen, Petasis, Gewald, and Asinger reactions.
• Analysis of synthetic efficiency and product diversity.

Main Results:

• Consecutive MCRs significantly amplify product structural diversity and molecular complexity.
• Established MCRs serve as powerful initiating steps for sequential reactions.
• The reviewed reactions demonstrate high efficiency in complex scaffold synthesis.

Conclusions:

• Consecutive MCRs represent a powerful strategy in modern organic synthesis.
• These sequential approaches offer superior efficiency and diversity compared to single MCRs.
• The highlighted reactions provide a robust toolkit for constructing complex molecules.