Rare Earth Metal Reagents in Organic Synthesis: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Metal‐mediated organic synthesis has significantly advanced the field of synthetic chemistry over the decades. While transition metal‐catalyzed reactions have become foundational, characterized by well‐understood mechanisms like oxidative addition and reductive elimination, rare earth metals have not received as much attention. This review aims to highlight the synthetic applications of rare earth metals, fostering increased interest in their exploration. We discuss various reactions facilitated by these metals, including substitution, addition, insertion into unsaturated bonds, and coupling reactions, showcasing their unique capabilities and potential in modern synthetic chemistry.