Boron, silicon, nitrogen and sulfur-based contemporary precursors for the generation of alkyl radicals by single electron transfer and their synthetic utilization.

Recent developments in the use of boron, silicon, nitrogen and sulfur derivatives in single-electron transfer reactions for the generation of alkyl radicals are described. Photoredox catalyzed, electrochemistry promoted or thermally-induced oxidative and reductive processes are discussed highlighting their synthetic scope and discussing their mechanistic pathways.