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.
Ali et al. (Fri,) studied this question.