The Vinylogous Aldol and Related Addition Reactions: Ten Yearsof Progress

The structural motives arising from reactions involving "vinylogated" donor and/or acceptor components are intrinsically more adorned than their "normal" counterparts, as they embody extended carbon skeletons, additional functionality, and increasing stereochemical complexity. All of these attributes qualify the vinylogous aldol, the vinylogous Mannich, and the vinylogous Michael addition reactions as immensely useful, strategic maneuvers in the art of contemporary organic synthesis. Since our first comprehensive review in 2000 on the application of the vinylogous aldol and related reactions in organic synthesis, tremendous progress has been achieved in this field. Consultation of leading organic chemistry literature over the past decade testifies and justifies the continual renewal of interest in the vinylogous aldol and related processes that form the theme of this review article. A range of statistical figures offers an overall picture of the state of the art of this research domain and allows the reader to appreciate its thriving evolution. Out of a total of 322 peer-reviewed research articles in the last decennium, 201 were devoted to the aldol reaction, while 70 were centered upon the Mannich reactions and 51 were centered on the Michael reactions. With an increase from 51 in 2000-2001 to 84 in 2008-2009, the number of publications has displayed a constant growth, with a positive progression registered in each field of research