Inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction in total synthesis of bioactive natural products

Abstract

Among the various chemical reactions implemented during the total syntheses, the Inverse Electron Demand Diels-Alder Reaction (IEDDAR) is one of the crucial transformations utilized in building the complexity of bioactive natural products and drug-like molecules. Keeping in view the growing interest in harnessing the potential of this reaction, an overview of natural products that have been assembled through IEDDAR in the last 13 years (2011–2023) is presented through a selection of around 30 natural product total syntheses. In each case, the synthesis is presented schematically and the crucial IEDDAR step is duly highlighted in color. Additionally, wherever necessary, key structural features, characterization, biogenesis and biological activity attributes of the bioactive natural products are also discussed.