Catalytic transfer functionalization through shuttle catalysis

In this Perspective, we describe an emerging type of catalysis that enables the catalytic reversible transfer of chemical entities beyond the well-established transfer hydrogenation reactions. Shuttle catalysis facilitates the transfer of small molecules (e.g., CO, HCN) or reactive intermediates between two substrates in an isodesmic process. In many cases, these often safer processes provide unprecedented synthetic flexibility and complement other catalytic bond-forming and bond-breaking reactions.