The Chemistry of Peresters

Peresters have long been familiar as radical initiators, oxidants for allylic functionalization, and as sources of electrophilic oxygen. In recent years, peresters have emerged as important reagents or intermediates for many additional reactions or processes, including C-H activation, dehydrogenative coupling, and activation of transition metal catalysts. This comprehensive review, which is intended to encourage and facilitate safe exploration of the rich chemistry of peresters, includes an overview of methods for synthesis, a user's manual perspective on modes of reactivity, a discussion of good practices for safe handling and use, and a survey of both traditional and emerging synthetic applications.