Frustrated radical pairs in selective functionalization of inert aliphatic C‒H bonds

In this preview, we highlight Lin and co-workers’ recent findings published in Nature on the non-directed functionalization of chemically inert aliphatic C‒H bonds through the use of the hexamethyldisilazide anion (HMDS–, a reductant) and N-oxoammonium cation (TEMPO+, an oxidant) as a new class of frustrated radical pair. In this preview, we highlight Lin and co-workers’ recent findings published in Nature on the non-directed functionalization of chemically inert aliphatic C‒H bonds through the use of the hexamethyldisilazide anion (HMDS–, a reductant) and N-oxoammonium cation (TEMPO+, an oxidant) as a new class of frustrated radical pair.