The cross dehydrogenation coupling reaction realizes direct coupling of two different X-H bonds to form a new chemical bond, thus featuring excellent step and atom economy. The traditional cross dehydrogenation coupling reaction was usually catalyzed by transition metal, which had the problems of expensive catalyst and serious pollution. Visible light-induced electron transfer is also an effective way to realize direct functionalization of X-H bonds. Visible-light-induced cross dehydrogenation coupling reaction under transition metal-free conditions is widely concerned due to the advantages of cleanliness, safety as well as high step and atom economy. Classified by the type of bonding, the research progress of these reactions is reviewed, and their future outlook is also discussed.

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