Olefinic C–H functionalization through radical alkenylation

Direct olefinic C-H functionalization represents the ideal way of introducing an alkenyl group into organic molecules. A well-known process is the Heck reaction, which involves alkene insertion and β-hydride elimination in the presence of a transition metal. However, the traditional Heck reaction mainly deals with the alkenylation of aryl or vinyl electrophiles. Recent developments have revealed that alkenylation can also be achieved through radical addition to alkenes and following single-electron-transfer (SET) oxidation/elimination. The radical alkenylation pathway allows alkenylation with a variety of carbon-centered radicals and even heteroatom-centered radicals. This tutorial review gives an overview of recent advances in this emerging field.