Novel applications of alkenyl zirconocenes.

Alkenyl zirconocene complexes are readily obtained by diverse processes including hydrozirconation, carbozirconation, and cyclozirconation of alkynes, transmetalations, and bond insertions. In combination with other metals, novel reaction manifolds can emerge and provide access to useful synthetic building blocks. Both catalytic asymmetric processes and highly diastereoselective multicomponent transformations that involve the formation of three or more new carbon-carbon bonds are feasible. This Concept paper summarizes the current state of the art and opportunities for future reaction discovery in this field of research, with particular emphasis on synergistic effects of bimetallic combinations of zirconocenes and zinc.