Alcohols and Water as Reducing Agents in Radical Reactions

Authors

  • Davide Pozzi
  • Philippe Renaud

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2007.151

Keywords:

Alcohols, Bond dissociation energy, Organoboranes, Radicals, Reduction

Abstract

The radical reduction of B-alkylcatecholboranes into alkanes using alcohols and water as hydrogen atom source is described. This process involves a completely unexpected mechanism: the alcohol (or water) complexed to a borate derivative acts as a reducing agent. The complexation activates the alcohol resulting in a decrease of the O–H bond dissociation energy. This approach offers promising opportunities for the development of tin-free radical reducing agent. Closely related reports from the recent literature involving boron and titanium derivatives are also presented.

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Published

2007-04-25