Model Macrocyclic Ligands for Proof‐of‐Concept Mechanistic Studies in Transition‐Metal Catalysis

AbstractIn this Concept article, we will scrutinize different approaches devoted to the mechanistic understanding of catalytic processes, paying special attention to the successful use of triazamacrocyclic aryl‐halide or arene‐containing substrates used for Cu‐, Ag‐, Au‐, Co‐ and Ni‐catalysis. The importance of designing model substrate platforms to unravel mechanistic details at a molecular level of C−C or C‐heteroatom bond‐forming processes catalyzed by transition metals will be highlighted. This fundamental mechanistic knowledge will serve as a foundation for the catalyst design for a desired transformation.