SUPERBASES IN ORGANIC SYNTHESIS

Abstract

In this concise review, an emphasis is laid on the important role of superbases as catalysts and reagents in organic synthesis that so far remain underestimated. Diverse approaches to understand the superbasicity phenomenon are considered and the definition of superbase is given. Typical compositions of most widespread superbase systems are systematized and tabulated. The representative classic organic reactions assisted by superbases are surveyed.