Dixanthates vicinal

The eliminative reduction of vicinal-glycols via a dixanthate to alkenes involves the radicals as illustrated in Scheme 2.42. 

The chemistry of )9-(thiocarbonyloxy)alkyl radicals stands in complete contrast to that of the (acyloxy)alkyl radicals, with elimination, while not the rule, being the norm [I]. The difference between the acyloxy and thiocarbonyloxy series is likely a consequence of the much weaker thiocarbonyl bond and the related higher stability of sulfur-centered radicals. The method has been developed in combination with the Barton deoxygenation method (Volume 1, Chapter 1.6) as a means of converting a vicinal diol, via the dixanthate, into an alkene (Scheme 33) [60-62]. Tributyltin hydride has been the reagent of choice for this reaction but it may also be conducted with the triethylsilane/benzoyl peroxide couple [63] and, doubtless, tris(trimethylsilyl)silane. 

Scheme 33. Alkene formation from vicinal dixanthates...

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