Applications of the Wittig Reaction on the Synthesis of Natural and Natural‐Analogue Heterocyclic Compounds

More than sixty years after its discovery, the Wittig reaction still is a powerful tool to create carbon–carbon double bonds. The large diversity of high‐yielding and stereoselective reactions that can be achieved, even for highly functionalized molecules, is presented, demonstrating that the Wittig reaction is an efficient and attractive strategy in synthetic organic chemistry. The principles of the reaction will be briefly presented and discussed, but the focus will be on the most recent reports using this reaction in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. A comprehensive discussion on its application in the total synthesis of natural products and in the synthesis of natural analogues will be presented. Emphasis will be given to important organic molecules that present interesting biological activities. The purpose of this short review is to highlight the advances in this general area by presenting such newer applications in organic synthesis and eventually guide future researchers. The Wittig reaction is a well‐established approach with recognized efficiency and some stereoselectivity. This Microreview takes a critical look at its recent use in the total synthesis of natural heterocyclic compounds but also in the synthesis of natural heterocyclic analogues.