1,4-Dicarbonyls are challenging targets owing to the natural-polarity mismatch of potential reaction partners. This Review discusses methods for 1,4-dicarbonyl synthesis based on the coupling of two carbonyl-containing fragments as well as methods that involve non-carbonyl precursors. A spotlight on 1,4-dicarbonyls in total synthesis underlines the diversity of approaches for this motif.
- Miran Lemmerer
- Manuel Schupp
- Nuno Maulide