Metal-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization Processes with Click-Triazole Assistance

The functionalization of otherwise unreactive C-H bonds holds great promise for reducing reliance on existing functional groups while improving energy efficiency and atom economy. One of the most powerful strategies exploits chelation assistance through reversible coordination with metal catalysts. This microreview summarizes the most recent advances in the use of 1,2,3-triazoles as versatile directing groups in the field of C-H functionalization. The main feature is the modular and straightforward assembly of the required triazoles through click chemistry, and such procedures therefore constitute practical synthetic tools of utmost importance for the late-stage diversification of click compounds, which are ubiquitous moieties in drug discovery and material science.