Main group catalysed reduction of unsaturated bonds

Abstract

This Perspective highlights the recent developments in the reduction of unsaturated substrates catalysed by main group element compounds. Various activation modes are discussed and comparison with relevant examples from transition metal systems is made when possible. Main group element catalysis offers significant advantages through its lower cost and more benign environmental impact and has now reached the point where it can successfully compete with the more common catalysis based on precious transition metals.