Synthetic methodologies to access skipped dienes: a focus on the catalytic systems

1,4-Dienes, also known as skipped dienes, are widely diffused in natural products and serve as valuable synthetic intermediates. However, their synthesis continues to pose a substantial challenge. In recent years, there has been a notable development in the field, with the emergence of highly stereoselective methodologies for the construction of the 1,4-diene moiety. This review discusses the latest advances in the synthesis of skipped dienes, with a particular emphasis on the catalytic system and reaction mechanism. Metal-mediated (Ru, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Cu, Au, Ca, Ti, Cr, Yb), metal-free and organocatalyzed transformations as well as synergistic/dual and metallaphotoredox-catalysed reactions, published in the last five years, are reported.