Synthetic methods Part (i) Free-radical reactions

Abstract

This Report highlights recent advances in free-radical reactions and their uses in synthesis over the preceding year. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review, and, as a result, many well-designed examples are not included. Significant contributions this year include the development of a stable source of N-centred radicals for the hydroamination of alkenes, the powerful tandem ring closing metathesis-atom transfer cyclisation catalysed by Grubbs’ ruthenium alkylidene complex, Murphy’s exciting organic single electron donor, and the organocatalytic Stetter-like reaction mediated by simple thiols.