Highlighting the Rich Chemistry of the Allenone Moiety

Conjugated and non-conjugated allenones appear as recurring motifs in organic synthesis, natural products and mechanistic investigations showing unique properties and applications. The ability of allenones to build cycles has provided a direct access to strained systems, medium-sized rings, arenes, heterocycles and complex polycycles. In addition, allenones have served as models in mechanistic investigations and catalysis. The critic compilation herein presented will provide an exhaustive overview of the synthetic possibilities allenones may offer, which certainly will inspire our community in their search of more efficient synthetic methodologies, preparation of biological and pharmaceutical targets, and improve our knowledge in theoretical organic chemistry. Great part of this review will discuss synthetic aspects, catalysis innovation and mechanistic insights of the chemical transformations implying the allenone motif. In addition, many examples on total synthesis and pharmacologically active compounds will be described. We hope that this overview will be attractive to the organic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, catalysis, theoretical chemistry, natural products and medicinal chemistry communities.