Recent advances of the Grignard-type reactions without involving organohalides

The Grignard-type reaction is a fundamentally important method for constructing C–C bonds in organic synthesis. The Grignard reagents are usually prepared through the metalation of organohalides. However, organohalides are mostly synthesized via corrosive halogenation reagents, which raises significant environmental concerns and increases the overall cost for the waste disposal. Consequently, it is essential to investigate alternative non-organohalide functionalities to access the Grignard-type reactivity. In this mini-review, we have summarized recent approaches to generating carbanions (or the equivalents) from carboxylic acids, ketones, aldehydes, olefins, and amines.