Transition metal-catalyzed activation of aliphatic C-X bonds in carbon-carbon bond formation

An overview is given on the recent progress on the use of transition metal catalysts for the activation of aliphatic C-X bonds in organic synthesis. Under appropriate conditions, simple alkyl iodiodes undergo a variety of cross-coupling, carbonylation, and olefin insertion reactions leading to carbon-carbon bond formation. For less reactive C-X bonds, specially designed substrates are required. Alternatively, chelation has also served as a powerful tool for the activation of a number of C-X bonds.