Activation and Functionalization of C-H Bonds

Book excerpt: Activation and Functionalization of C-H Bonds explores recent developments in the reaction chemistry of solution-phase transition-metal based systems with simple hydrocarbons and with more complex organic molecules. More than 20 internationally leading research groups contributed to this volume, and their chapters cover such topics as fundamental theoretical and mechanistic studies of C-H bond activation by metal complexes, catalytic systems for alkane functionalization, and new applications in synthetic organic chemistry. An introductory chapter offers an overview of stoichiometric and catalytic reactions of C-H bonds with transition metal complexes. The C-H bond is the most widespread linkage in organic chemistry, present in virtually every organic molecule. Unfortunately, C-H bonds are famously resistant to selective chemical transformations. The development of methods for their selective transformations has enormous potential value in fields ranging from the chemistry of fuels (for example, the conversion of methane to methanol) to the synthesis of the most complex organic molecules.