Selenides, free-radical reduction

The synthesis of a-substituted phosphonates 89, via the electrophilic addition of phosphorylated C-radicals 88 (generated by reaction of BujSnH to the readily accessible a-phosphoryl sulfides (or selenides)) and electrophilic addition to electron rich alkenes, has been described [57] (Scheme 26). A large excess of alkene is necessary to minimize the competitive formation of the undesired compound 90 resulting from direct reduction of the initial radical 88. The ratio 89/90 has been measured for each example. The synthesis of the a-mono- or a,a-di-substituted (R or phosphonates 89 shows that the free radical approach... 

For the reduction of sulfides and selenides to free radicals and subsequent cyclization onto alkynes, see page 413, Section 2.3. 

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