The Nazarov Cyclization: A Valuable Method to Synthesize Fully Substituted Carbon Stereocenters

The synthesis of fully substituted carbon stereocenters remains a challenging task in organic chemistry. Recent developments in the design of substrates that undergo the Nazarov cyclization have enabled this reaction to become a valuable way to form elaborately substituted cyclopentane rings containing fully substituted carbon stereocenters. Three major strategies have been utilized in this endeavor. Here we provide an overview of these three areas that should give insight into the usage of the Nazarov reaction for the challenging task of forming fully substituted carbon stereocenters.