Zinc, Lithium and Magnesium Carbenoids: Chemical Properties and Relevant Applications in Organic Synthesis

Carbenoids are a class of highly reactive reagents that play an important role in modern organic synthesis. These species are very similar to singlet state carbenes since they have an ambiphilic character and react by a concerted mechanism allowing stereospecific transformations. Herein, we discuss these and other chemical aspects of zinc, lithium and magnesium carbenoids as well as relevant applications of these intermediates in organic synthesis.