Dearomatization Strategies in the Synthesis of Complex Natural Products

Evolution in the field of the total synthesis of natural products has led to exciting developments over the last decade. Numerous chemoselective and enantioselective methodologies have emerged from total syntheses, resulting in efficient access to many important natural product targets. This Review highlights recent developments concerning dearomatization, a powerful strategy for the total synthesis of architecturally complex natural products wherein planar, aromatic scaffolds are converted to three‐dimensional molecular architectures. 1, 2, …︁ 3 dearomaticity: The conversion of planar, aromatic scaffolds (arenes, phenols, and heteroarenes) into three‐dimensional molecular architectures is a powerful strategy for the total synthesis of complex natural products. This Review highlights recent developments and outlines future perspectives and opportunities for catalytic, enantioselective dearomatization processes.