Recent strategic advances for the activation of benzylic C-H bonds for the formation of C-C bonds

Alkylarenes, obtained from abundant hydrocarbon feedstock sources, are an attractive starting material for the formation of complex molecular architectures. Conventional activation strategies of the relatively inert sp(3)-hybridized benzylic C-H bonds usually require relatively harsh conditions and are difficult to apply to the synthesis of fine chemicals. The present review describes recent strategic advances for the activation of benzylic C-H bonds for the catalytic formation of C-C bonds. In particular, two activation methods, i.e., strategies that generate benzylic radicals or benzyl anions, are discussed. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.