oa Editorial [Hot topic: C-C and C-X Couplings in Organic Synthesis Part 2. C-C Couplings (Guest Editor: Rafael Luque)]

C-Heteroatom couplings have become increasingly trendy in the past few years and are currently present in many organic synthetic protocols for the preparation of a plethora of chemical products and intermediates with a wide range of applications in different areas including fragrances, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and dyes. A remarkable degree of development in importance of such processes in Organic Synthesis has been recently revealed with improved protocols, reactions conditions and methodologies that allow a better separation and recycling of reagents and products upon reaction completion, alternative reaction media (e.g. aqueous protocols, microwaves, mechanochemistry, etc.) and many others reported to date. The second part of this special issue is dedicated to the latest developments in C-Heteroatom couplings in Organic Synthesis, including less extended reactions such as C-N, C-S and related C-Heteroatom couplings for the synthesis of natural products, fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. It was the aim of the editor to commision a variety of couplings in order to compile a well balanced issue that includes both general overviews and detailed specific topics to make it suitable for a broader audience. These will include C-H activation as well as a range of C-N, C-S and other C-Heteroatom couplings (e.g. C-Se, CTe) from worlwide respected and well-known leaders in the field including Profs. Beletskaya (Russia) and Fairlamb (UK) as well as emerging young researchers such as Dr. Senra (Brazil). The editor was delighted to assemble such an outstanding list of contributors for the special issue and would like to thank deeply the authors and the journal for their cooperation and assistance during the past months. The editor sincerely hopes part 2 of this special issue on C-Heteroatom couplings will be able to attract the attention of many readers in the field as well as introduce many others in the fascinating world of coupling chemistry and look forward to contemplating further improvements in this area inspired (why not) by some of the contributions included in this issue. With very best wishes for the success of the special issue.