Recent Advances in the Dearomative Skeletal Editing of Mono-azaarenes

Abstract Despite its challenges, the skeletal editing of mono-azaarenes (pyridines, quinolines, and isoquinolines) has shown unparalleled synthetic utility in the construction of complex molecules that are difficult to access by conventional methods. In this short review, we summarize the three most recently developed skeletal editing strategies for the deconstruction of azaarene cores, with a focus on their generality, limitations, and mechanistic aspects. Also, the application of the skeletal editing strategy in the total synthesis of some important natural products is discussed. 1 Introduction 2 Skeletal Editing of Mono-Azaarenes through Zincke-like Reactions 3 Skeletal Editing of Mono-azaarenes through Aza-Buchner Reactions 4 Skeletal Editing of Mono-azaarenes via Photoinduced Radical or Energy-Transfer Processes 5 Conclusion