Multimetallic-Catalyzed C–C Bond-Forming Reactions: From Serendipity to Strategy

The use of two or more metal catalysts in a reaction is a powerful synthetic strategy to access complex targets efficiently and selectively from simple starting materials. While capable of uniting distinct reactivities, the principles governing multimetallic catalysis are not always intuitive, making the discovery and optimization of new reactions challenging. Here, we outline our perspective on the design elements of multimetallic catalysis using precedent from well-documented C–C bond-forming reactions. These strategies provide insight into the synergy of metal catalysts and compatibility of the individual components of a reaction. Advantages and limitations are discussed to promote further development of the field.