ABSTRACT
The earliest report of a singlet oxygen ene reaction (Sch. 1) was made by G. O. Schenck in a German patent in 1943 [1]. The synthetic potential of the reaction was recognized very early [2]; it provides an exquisite regioselective, and in many cases stereoselective, entry into synthetically useful feedstock using an environmentally benign oxidant [3,4]. In recognition of its pivotal synthetic utility it is has been referred to as the ‘‘Schenck Ene Reaction’’ in honor of its discoverer [2,3]. In this manuscript we will try to provide an overview of the synthetic scope and limitations of this reaction. We will also provide a more limited mechanistic discussion to the extent that it will enhance the synthetic discussion. Several reviews have expertly dealt with the equally fascinating mechanistic aspects of this intriguing reaction and should be consulted for more specialized details [5-9].
