Reaction mechanisms: radical and radical ion reactions

Abstract

Radical reactions endear themselves to organic chemists due to their ability to mediate otherwise difficult transformations (e.g. functionalization of unactivated hydrocarbons), and the associated challenges with predicting and/or controlling their reactivity. This manuscript provides an overview of the most significant developments in organic radical chemistry in 2012, with particular attention paid to the mechanistic attributes identified in these contributions. It is loosely structured to provide the broadest possible coverage, and is organized in sections highlighting (1) radical reactions that are either initiated or mediated by transition metals, (2) reactions not involving any transition metals, and (3) reactions of biological molecules or models thereof that provide insight on the roles of organic radicals in biological processes.