Abstract

This chapter provides a detailed survey of the Hauser–Kraus, Sammes, Staunton–Weinreb, and Tamura annulation reactions, as reported in the literature through March 2021. These reactions provide an efficient means for the synthesis of polycyclic aromatic compounds and related systems. The mechanism, scope, and limitations of each annulation reaction are covered, and typical methods for the preparation of the requisite starting materials (phthalides, homophthalic anhydrides, and related precursors) are provided. Applications of these annulation reactions as key steps in the synthesis of selected aromatic natural products are included, as are representative experimental procedures for accomplishing the annulation reactions.