NHC‐Catalyzed Cascade Reactions for the Construction of Fused Cycles via LUMO Activation of α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyls

Abstract The facile syntheses of multicyclic molecules through multi‐step cascade reactions with N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed LUMO activation strategies are summarized. The reaction mechanisms involved in these cascade catalytic transformations are also provided and discussed. The review article is arranged according to the reaction starting materials that are used for the NHC‐catalytic activation processes.