Sulfur Ylides in Organic Synthesis and Transition Metal Catalysis

Sulfur-based ylides have long been used for a number of classical transformations, in particular for the synthesis of small ring systems and various rearrangement reactions. By combining the unorthodox reactivity of such ylides with the strength and flexibility of transition-metal catalysis, a growing number of groups have in recent years looked to expand their application in organic synthesis. This chapter aims to summarise recent developments in transition-metal-catalysed sulfonium/sulfoxonium ylide reactions as well as to offer historical perspective. In overviewing the successes in this area, the authors hope to encourage others into this growing field.