Recent advances in synthesis of organosilicons via radical strategies

Organosilicon compounds play an important role in the fields of materials science, pharmacy, and organic synthesis. The development of effective approaches for the preparation of these compounds have also become a research focus in organic synthesis. In recent years, free radical synthesis of organosilicons has been vigorously developed, which generally has the advantages of milder synthesis conditions, higher yields and selectivity, and free of precious metal catalysts compared with traditional strategies. This article reviews research progresses in the synthesis of organosilicon compounds by free radical pathways since 2016. In most cases, the radical silylation is achieved based on the reaction of silyl radicals, which are triggered by four routes including peroxide, transition-metal-induced peroxide decomposition, alkali, photocatalysis. The alkyl radicals can also initiate the radical silylation for the generation of C(sp³)Si bonds.