Recent topics on catalytic transformations of aromatic molecules via η 6 -arene transition metal complexes

Abstract The π-complexation of an arene to a transition metal center delivers many useful reactivities to the arene moiety. Although synthetic methodologies that take advantage of such π-coordination have mostly been developed as stoichiometric processes, there have been considerable recent advances in the catalytic transformations of aromatic molecules through their activation in the form of transition metal η 6 -arene complexes. These advances include the π-coordination catalyzed transformations of aryl-heteroatom and side-chain C H and C C bonds and the palladium-catalyzed C H functionalization in pre-formed transition metal η 6 -arene complexes. This digest paper aims to provide a concise view of these recent advances in the area of transition metal η 6 -arene complexes.