π-nucleophilicity in carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions

Which electrophiles react with which nucleophiles? The correlation log k(20 degreesC) = s(E + N), in which electrophiles (carbocations, metal-pi-complexes, diazonium ions) are characterized by one (E) and nucleophiles are characterized by two parameters (N, s), proved to be applicable for a wide variety of electrophile-nucleophile combinations. Since the introduction of this correlation in 1994 (Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1994, 33, 938-957), numerous new reagents have been characterized, and in 2001 (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 9500-9512), a new method of parametrization was proposed that facilitates a continuous extension of the data sets without the need for reparametrization of existing data. This Account adjusts the N and s parameters of all presently characterized pi-nucleophiles (arenes, alkenes, organometallics) to the new parametrization and illustrates how to employ the resulting reactivity scales for analyzing synthetic and mechanistic problems in organic and macromolecular chemistry. Predictions of absolute rate constants, inter- and intramolecular selectivities, and analyses of reaction mechanisms are discussed. We outline how new compounds can be added to the scales and present our view on the scope and limitations of this approach to polar organic reactivity.