Since the discovery that organic molecules could be synthesized in a lab, the teaching and practice of synthetic organic chemistry has revolved around the classification and reaction of compounds according to the functional groups they contain. A basic precept of all introductory organic chemistry texts is the contrast between the reactivity of functional groups and the “inert” C-H and C-C bonds that make up the skeleton of just about every organic molecule. C-H Functionalization offers an alternative to this mode of thinking, through the development and application of effective and robust catalysts capable of transformations that selectively convert a C-H bond into the functional group or structural motif of choice.

This strategy for constructing molecules has the potential to broadly impact not only synthetic organic chemistry, but also the disciplines that rely on this highly enabling field, such as the pharmaceutical, material and agrochemical sciences. The C-H functionalization approach embodies many of the drivers that motivate modern science and can be summarized as a truly sustainable strategy by four key statements; 1). As a primarily catalytic transformation only very small amounts of high value reagents (catalysts) are required to convert large amounts of feedstock chemicals into essential commodities. 2). Employing a C-H bond as the reaction partner removes the need for introduction or inter-conversion of functional groups, significantly expanding the scope of feedstock chemicals available for reaction and thus 3). considerably reducing the number of operations required to achieve a desired molecular change. 4). A meaningful reduction in the volume of hazardous waste generated by using the C-H bond as a reaction partner (typical byproducts include hydrogen and nitrogen gas or water).

This field is at a stage where expertise from across the chemical sciences is required to truly establish a main stream technology. The aim of this workshop is to bring together the leading and emerging practitioners of C-H functionalization to discuss the many exciting potential applications of this technology and how to accelerate adoption of this science. At this stage, one of the critical elements is to understand the mechanistic aspects of these reactions in order to develop a rational approach for how to achieve site- and enantioselective transformations. Computational and experimental physical organic chemists are playing a pivotal role in this field, informing and guiding catalyst and reaction design. A forum that brings together these perspectives will provide an enriching experience for the participants and hopefully the field more broadly.