Transition-metal catalysis is out-grown from dry-boxes where the use of ine
rt gas atmosphere and the exclusion of moisture have been essential. Such a
restriction undoubtedly imposes limitations in the application of these re
actions in organic synthesis and in the recycling of the catalysts. This ar
ticle discusses some recent advances of rhodium-catalyzed carbon-carbon bon
d formations under the natural conditions of air and water.