C‐H functionalized molecules: synthesis, reaction mechanism, and biological activity

Replacement of traditionally unreactive C-H bond with C-C or C-X (X=Hetero atom) has emerged as one of the widely accepted methods over the last few decades for the synthesis of complex organic molecules which can act as important intermediates for the synthesis of biologically active compounds. Selective functionalization of the C-H bond especially in the presence of a more reactive C-H bond has remained one of the biggest challenges for synthetic organic chemists. The hybridization state of the C-H bond, substitution pattern, and presence of directive groups are some of the factors which have been exploited by researchers over the years for achieving fruitful results. A considerable amount of work has been reported in the literature on the use of metal catalysts for C-H bond functionalization leading to the formation of a C-M (carbon-metal) bond which is also known as C-H bond activation. This review aims to summarize various synthetic strategies reported for the C-H functionalization, which has led to the development of targeted complex molecules with medicinal properties.