The Smiles Rearrangement and the Julia– Kocienski Olefination Reaction

Molecular rearrangements consisting of base- or acid-induced dislocation of aromatic or heteroaromaticrings are reviewed. The emphasis is given to recent developments and, in particular, to synthetic applicationof the rearrangement. A novel classification has been applied in order to discuss systematically ratherdiverse published data. The rearrangements are reviewed according to atoms entering and leaving the ipso-position of the migrating ring. The Julia–Kocienski olefination reactionis presented in other parts of this volume.