Recent developments in the retro-Diels–Alder reaction

The retro-Diels–Alder reaction (rDA) has become an important tool for synthetic chemists in their quest towards the synthesis and design of novel scaffolds. The ability to carry out the rDA reaction under ambient conditions has made it quite attractive. In recent years the scope of the rDA in several areas has increased manifold. The present review covers the developments in this ever-expanding field over the last decade. The review will summarize various aspects of the rDA reaction and its applications to natural and non-natural products.