Thermal Metathesis of C–C Single Bonds Induced by Steric Frustration

Examples of sigma-bond metathesis are significantly limited when compared with those of alkene metathesis. This report presents a metathesis reaction of carbon-carbon single bonds. It proceeds through homolytic carbon-carbon bond cleavage, which is facilitated by steric frustration operating between two bulky carbon fragments. Of note is that simple heating is enough, and neither transition metal catalysts nor reagents are required.