Chapter 5: Heck Coupling

The Heck reaction is a widely used method in academia and industry for the construction of carbon–carbon (C–C) bonds. This chapter discusses the background of the Heck reaction providing a brief description of the mechanism and common reaction conditions. The difference between cationic and neutral pathways and their implications on regioselectivity and reactivity are discussed. Select examples in the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant compounds are presented to highlight reaction conditions that provide optimal efficiencies and yields.