Synthetic applications of palladium-catalyzed hydroarylation and related systems.

Synthetic organic chemists have recognized the hydroarylation of alkynes and alkenes as a versatile methodology. In the first part of this review, the regio- and stereochemistry of the hydroarylation of alkynes and the synthetic applications of this reaction in the synthesis of antiviral agents and steroid derivatives will be discussed. In the second part, applications of the hydroarylation of alkenes in the syntheses of epibatidine analogs, argemonine, retinoid X receptor (RXR), retinoic acid receptor (RAR) modulators and neurokinin (NK) receptor NK1 antagonists will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the application of Pd-catalyzed hydroarylation to the synthesis of biologically active compounds.