The metal mediated synthesis of cyclopentenones via a [2+2+1] cycloaddition between an alkyne, an alkene and carbon monoxide has become commonly known as the Pauson-Khand (PK) reaction. This report will briefly summarise some of the major developments since its initial discovery including an intramolecular variant of the reaction, the progress made towards making the process catalytic and examples of how the reaction has been utilised. The proposed mechanism for the reaction and the factors that influence the product distribution will also be introduced.