Cleavage of carbon–carbon bonds by radical reactions

Abstract

In recent years, radical C–C bond cleavage reactions have been increasingly understood and used to perform transformations that complement traditional ionic processes. However, to date radical C–C bond cleavage/functionalization reactions have not been the subject of a dedicated review. Herein we summarize the most recent and significant developments in the radical activation and functionalization of carbon–carbon bonds, with an emphasis on both synthetic outcomes and reaction mechanisms, and highlight how these radical C–C bond cleavage reactions enable challenging transformations.