Recent Advances in Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Selective Synthesis of π-Conjugated Silacycles: A Mini-Review

Although the synthesis of silacycles is of significant importance, it remains far less explored than that of N-, O-, and S-heterocycles. The past few years have seen growing attention toward the synthesis of these silacycles, owing to their applications in light-emitting materials, thin-film transistors, electroluminescent devices, solar cells, and notable photophysical and biological activities. In this review, we have discussed the recent developments in transition-metal-catalyzed synthesis of π-conjugated silacycles by C–H activation, 1,n-metal migration and cycloaddition reactions, chemo- and regio-divergent reactions, coupling reactions, and β-hydride eliminations. The discussion of the key components of each strategy, with mechanistic study and the role of phosphine ligands are outlined with key achievements, limitations, and major applications.