The direct and selective C–H functionalization of unactivated alkanes has been an outstanding yet challenging goal of modern synthetic chemistry. The C(sp³)–H insertion of metal carbenes has established itself as one of the most powerful methodologies for achieving alkane C–H functionalization, allowing for exquisite regioselectivity and stereoselectivity without resorting to the usage of directing groups. This review highlights the early and recent developments in the C–H functionalization of simple alkanes by carbene insertion into unactivated C(sp³)–H bonds. This review is organized into four sections: metal-catalyzed insertion of acceptor, acceptor/acceptor, donor/acceptor and donor carbenes into the C–H bonds of cycloalkanes and linear alkanes, respectively.

中文翻译：

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通过卡宾插入未活化的 C(sp3)-H 键催化烷烃 C-H 官能化


未活化烷烃的直接选择性 C-H 官能化一直是现代合成化学的一个突出但具有挑战性的目标。金属卡宾的 C(sp ³ )–H 插入已成为实现烷烃 C–H 官能化的最强大方法之一，无需使用导向基团即可实现精细的区域选择性和立体选择性。本综述重点介绍了通过将卡宾插入未活化的 C(sp ³ )-H 键来实现简单烷烃 C-H 官能化的早期和最新进展。本综述分为四个部分：金属催化将受体、受体/受体、供体/受体和供体卡宾分别插入环烷烃和直链烷烃的 C-H 键中。