Novel achievements with an old metal: copper-promoted synthesis of four-membered azacycles

Abstract

The synthesis of four-membered azacycles is of importance because of the chemical and biological relevance of these compounds. Recent progress in copper-catalyzed reactions has been applicable to a variety of research fields, such as heterocyclic synthesis. The aim of the current review is to summarize the synthesis of strained four-membered ring taking advantage of copper catalyzed and mediated processes.