Radical C–H functionalization represents a useful
means
of streamlining synthetic routes by avoiding substrate preactivation
and allowing access to target molecules in fewer steps. The first-row
transition metals (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) are Earth-abundant
and can be employed to regulate radical C–H functionalization.
The use of such metals is desirable because of the diverse interaction
modes between first-row transition metal complexes and radical species
including radical addition to the metal center, radical addition to
the ligand of metal complexes, radical substitution of the metal complexes,
single-electron transfer between radicals and metal complexes, hydrogen
atom transfer between radicals and metal complexes, and noncovalent
interaction between the radicals and metal complexes. Such interactions
could improve the reactivity, diversity, and selectivity of radical
transformations to allow for more challenging radical C–H functionalization
reactions. This review examines the achievements in this promising
area over the past decade, with a focus on the state-of-the-art while
also discussing existing limitations and the enormous potential of
high-value radical C–H functionalization regulated by these
metals. The aim is to provide the reader with a detailed account of
the strategies and mechanisms associated with such functionalization.