Enroute sustainability: metal free C-H bond functionalisation

The term C-H functionalisation incorporates C-H activation followed by its transformation. In a single line, this can be defined as the conversion of carbon-hydrogen bonds into carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bonds. The catalytic functionalisation of C-H bonds using transition metals has emerged as an atom-economical technique to engender new bonds without activated precursors which can be considered as a major drawback while attempting large-scale synthesis. Replacing the transition-metal-catalysed approach with a metal-free strategy significantly offers an alternative route that is not only inexpensive but also environmentally benign to functionalize C-H bonds. Recently metal free synthetic approaches have been flourishing to functionalize C-H bonds, motivated by the search for greener, cost-effective, and non-toxic catalysts. In this review, we will highlight the comprehensive and up-to-date discussion on recent examples of ground-breaking research on green and sustainable metal-free C-H bond functionalisation.

Automated summary

C-H functionalisation involves C-H activation and subsequent transformation, converting carbon-hydrogen bonds into carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bonds. Metal-free approaches have gained attention as an alternative to transition metal-catalysed methods, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to functionalise C-H bonds.