Abstract

Toluene and its derivatives have been well established as versatile scaffolds in organic synthesis over the last few decades. This review provides a brief and concise overview of the current status and latest methodologies in the synthetic utility of toluene and its derivatives by exploiting both the alkyl-sp³ and aryl-sp² carbons via C-H activation. The review also explores the effect of various substituents on the toluene derivatives in facilitating different reactions.

Keywords: Toluene, C-H activation, C-C coupling, C-heteroatom bond formation, cross dehydrogenative coupling, directing groups.

Graphical Abstract