Strategy XI Radical Reactions in Synthesis

Background Needed for this Chapter Reference to Clayden, Organic Chemistry  

We have so far discussed only ionic and pericyclic reactions and rightly so for they are more important in synthesis than the third type radical reactions.1 However, some radical reactions are useful and it is appropriate to put them here as many of them lead to 1,2-difunctional compounds. 

Ionic routes to allylic 4 and benzylic 6 alcohols include reduction of the ketones 3 and 5 as these are easily made by aldol reactions and Friedel-Crafts acylation. The alcohols can be converted into electrophiles by tosylation or conversion into bromides. 

The reaction may not even need light just refluxing p-nitrotoluene II with bromine in petrol ether gives a moderate yield of the benzylic bromide 12. Benzyl chloride 14 can be 

Organic Synthesis The Disconnection Approach. Second Edition 2008 John Wiley Sons, Ltd 

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Chapter 24 Strategy XI Radical Reactions in Synthesis FGA and its Reverse. 

Chapter 22 Strategy X Use of Aliphatic Nitro Compounds in Synthesis. Chapter 24 Strategy XI Radical Reactions in Synthesis. FGA and its Reverse. Chapter 26 Strategy XII Reconnections. 

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