Efficient and environmentally friendly methodologies for the synthesis of multifunctionalized scaffolds

The vinylogous addition of Chan's diene to aldehydes is one of the most elegant and powerful methods for the synthesis of ?-hydroxy-?-ketoesters which are useful key-intermediates in the synthesis of many natural products; so the development of innovative methodologies for this reaction represents an interesting research area. The reaction has been intensely investigated over the last decade and particular attention has recently focused on the use of low impact solvents and catalytic amounts of promoters, according to the growing demand for highly sustainable chemical procedures. In the light of the above, an overview of several convenient and efficient methodologies for the addition of Chan's diene to aldehydes will be presented, with particular attention to experimental conditions and catalytic systems (including organometallic complexes and organocatalysts). Finally, some applications of these methodologies in the total synthesis of complex molecules will be discussed.