Catalytic Formation of Carbon-Carbon Bonds by Activation of Carbon-Hydrogen Bonds

The direct functionalization of C-H bonds by formation of a C-C bond is an interesting and important alternative to coupling reactions involving halide derivatives. These reactions are complex but during the past few years a number of new systems have been developed which display promising scope. This microreview will briefly mention the different mechanisms leading to C-H activation and describe the new systems leading to the catalytic formation of carbon-carbon bonds.