Intramolecular Baylis-Hillman reaction: synthesis of heterocyclic molecules

The Baylis-Hillman (BH) [also known as the Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH)] reaction is a versatile atom-economic C-C bond forming reaction between the α-position of activated alkenes and electrophiles under the influence of a catalyst and provides interesting classes of densely functionalized molecules. Its intramolecular versio n is yet another fascinating reaction by itself, producing various carbocylic and heterocyclic compounds of synthetic and medicinal relevance. Applications of the intramolecular Baylis-Hillman r eaction in obtaining heterocyclic molecules of different ring sizes and also to the synthesis o f various natural products/bioactive compounds containing heterocyclic frameworks are presented in this brief review.