Et3B, an Efficient Mediator for Xanthate Transfer Based Radical Processes

The triethylborane mediated intermolecular addition of diverse carbon radicals, derived from the corresponding xanthates, to allyl acetate (10b) and 4-allyl-1,2-dimethoxybenzene (10a) was studied in various solvents. In most cases, the product yields in water at room temperature were as good as, or better than, those obtained using 1,2-dichloroethane as the solvent. In contrast, ethanol in most cases was not a useful solvent in which to conduct these reactions.