Transition metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization has evolved into a prominent and indispensable tool in organic synthesis. While nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur-based functional groups (FGs) are widely employed as effective directing groups (DGs) to control the site-selectivity of C-H activation, the use of common FGs (e.g. ketone, alcohol and amine) as DGs has been continuously pursued. Ketones are an especially attractive choice of DGs and substrates due to their prevalence in various molecules and versatile reactivity as synthetic intermediates. Over the last two decades, transition metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization that is directed or mediated by ketones has experienced vigorous growth. This review summarizes these advancements into three major categories: use of ketone carbonyls as DGs, direct β-functionalization, and α-alkylation/alkenylation with unactivated olefins and alkynes. Each of these subsections is discussed from the perspective of strategic design and reaction discovery.

Here, we describe a detailed study of the rhodium(I)-catalyzed, bifunctional ligand-assisted ketone α-C-H alkenylation using internal alkynes. Through controlling the reaction conditions, conjugated enamines, α,β- or β,γ-unsaturated ketones, can be selectively accessed. Both aromatic and aliphatic alkynes can be employed as coupling partners. The reaction conditions also tolerate a broad range of functional groups, including carboxylic esters, malonates, secondary amides, thioethers, and free alcohols. In addition, excellent E-selectivity was observed for the tetra-substituted alkene when forming the α,β-unsaturated ketone products. The mechanism of this transformation was explored through control experiments, kinetic monitoring, synthesizing the rhodium-hydride intermediates and their reactions with alkynes, deuterium-labeling experiments, and identification of the resting states of the catalyst.

A 12-step synthesis of kingianin A, an inhibitor of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL, is based on a radical cation Diels Alder reaction (RCDA). This approach is thought to be biomimetic. The use of a tether in the key RCDA step controls the regiochemistry of the cycloaddition, leading to the desired core structure and a separable diastereomer.

A general and practical catalytic method has been developed for the rapid synthesis of HCTD (heptacyclo[6.6.0.0(2,6).0(3,13).0(4,11).0(5,9).0(10,14)]tetradecanes) and various new 7,12-disubstituted HCTDs from norbornadienes. Compared to the known approaches, this new protocol avoids stoichiometric metals, utilizes commercially available reagents as catalysts, and affords higher yields and significantly improved selectivity. In addition, quadracyclane was discovered for the first time to undergo a similar endo,cis,endo cycloaddition to give HCTD in a good yield. Derivatization of HCTDs led to efficient preparation of a range of novel homo- and heterobifunctional scaffolds that hold potentials for biological and material applications.