Organic Transformations on σ-Aryl Organometallic Complexes

This work reviews recent developments in the field of organic transformations on σ-aryl organometallic complexes. The general notion that M---C σ bonds are kinetically labile, highly reactive, and incompatible with typical reaction conditions met in organic synthesis has limited the use of these synthetic strategies thus far. However, organic transformations on metal-bound σ-aryl fragments are being used more and more by chemists in both industry and academia. In this Review, emphasis is put on the synthetic methods applied in this field up to now. The simplicity and generally good yields of these methods are very attractive for the construction of functionalized organometallic building blocks that are potentially useful as photochemical molecular devices, biosensors and -conjugates, or molecular switches. Thus, this Review has been tailored for a broader audience with the aim of encouraging the application of these strategies.