Anionic reduced forms of electron-deficient arenes in reactions with C–C bond formation

The state-of-the-art research related to the use of stable anionic reduced forms (radical anions, dianions, cyclohexadienyl anions) of electron-deficient arenes as synthons for the design of short synthetic pathways from basic reagents to compounds difficult to prepare is analysed. The role of these anionic forms as models for the study of competition of polar and single-electron reaction mechanisms, especially for elucidation of relevant structural features, is considered.