The utility of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes (DACs) for the construction of heterocycles is discussed here. In addition to (3+2), (3+3) and (4+3) cycloaddition pathways, nucleophilic ring-opening reactions, intramolecular transformations and cycloisomerizations in presence of suitable catalysts pave way for the generation of heterocycles from DACs. Mild reactions conditions employed and the variety of starting materials that can be used as reaction partners makes the DAC route for heterocycle synthesis attractive. The literature from 2018-2023 is categorized as below.
1 Introduction
2 Synthesis of Nitrogen heterocycles
2.1 By annulations with anthranils and azadienes
2.2 By nucleophilic attack of anilines and hydrazones
2.3 By reaction with ureas and thioureas
2.4 By annulation reactions using azomethine imine
2.5 By reaction with other N-heterocycles
2.6 By other transformations
3 Synthesis of Oxygen heterocycles
3.1 By intramolecular transformations
3.2 By intermolecular reactions
4 Synthesis of Sulphur/Selenium heterocycles
4.1 By reaction with thiocarbonyl substrates
4.2 By reaction with thio/selenocyanates and thiosulfonate salts
5 Synthesis of N-S/O heterocycles
6 Conclusions