Catalyst-free and additive-free reactions enabling C–C bond formation: a journey towards a sustainable future

This review focuses on the catalyst- and additive-free C-C bond forming reactions reported mostly from the year 2005 to date. C-C bond forming reactions are highly important as large and complex organic molecules can be derived from simpler ones via these reactions. On the other hand, catalyst- and additive-free reactions are economical, environmentally friendly and less sensitive to air/moisture, allow easy separation of products and are operationally simple. Hence, a large number of research articles have been published in this area. Though a few reviews are available on the catalyst-free organic reactions, most of them were published a few years ago. The current review excludes catalysts as well as additives and is specific to only C-C bond formation. Besides many organic name reactions, catalyst/additive-free C-H functionalizations, coupling reactions and UV-visible-light-promoted reactions are also discussed. Undoubtedly, the contents of this review will motivate readers to do more novel work in this area which will accelerate the journey towards a sustainable future.