Hot Topic: C-H Activation Reactions: Latest Achievement and New Directions

In celebration of the most impactful areas of research in Organic Chemistry, we are proud to present this feature Hot Topic* collection to highlight some of the recent advances in CH activation reactions.

The activation of C-H bonds is one of the most vibrant research areas within synthetic organic chemistry. The transformation of inert C-H bonds into other functional groups has far-reaching practical implications, ranging from more efficient strategies for fine chemical synthesis to the replacement of current petrochemical feedstocks by less expensive and more readily available alkanes. The past years have seen many examples of C-H bond activation with an increasing usage of Earth-abundant metal catalysts. Early transition metals have also proven effective in C-H bond activation and functionalization.

Developments towards water-stable reactivity, as well as electrochemical reactions, are also prevalent. Furthermore, modern computational approaches together with increasing collaboration between synthetic and theoretical groups have disclosed how these organometallic reactions occur and their inherent advantages and limitations.

This Research Topic aims to cover recent advances in various aspects of C-H bond activation, including (but not limited to):

• Novel catalysts for C-H activation, design and performance
• Computation studies on the mechanism of C-H activation
• Green approaches for C-H bond activation and functionalization processes


*Hot Topic collections are hand-selected in collaboration with our Chief Editors, with the aim to feature the most cutting-edge research within a given field of chemistry. As such, submissions to this collection will benefit from increased visibility via promotion on social media and at conferences.

Keywords: C-H Activation, catalysis, alkane functionalizazion, Homogeneus catalysis, Heterogeneus catalysis

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.