Challenges and opportunities for alkane functionalisation using molecular catalysts

The conversion of vast low-value saturated hydrocarbons into valuable chemicals is of great interest. Thanks to the progression of organometallic and coordination chemistry, transition metal catalysed C sp(3)–H bond functionalisation has now become a powerful tool for alkane transformations. Specifically, methods for alkane functionalisation include radical initiated C–H functionalisation, carbene/nitrene insertion, and transition metal catalysed C–H bond activation. This perspective provides a systematic and concise overview of each protocol, highlighting the factors that govern regioselectivity in these reactions. The challenges of the existing catalytic tactics and future directions for catalyst development in this field will be presented.