Stereoselection at the steady state in radical cyclizations of acyclic systems containing one radical acceptor and two precursors in a 1,5-relationship under pseudo-first-order conditions.

The first example of a successive kinetic resolution of acyclic diastereomeric radical intermediates in a 1,5-relationship under pseudo-first-order conditions is reported. A mechanistic model involves nonselective generation of the radical intermediates followed by different partitioning of these between two different chemical pathways. The "2,5-cis" selectivity in the radical cyclization step arises from transition geometries with the substituents aligned in pseudoequatorial positions.

Application of peptidyl radicals into a new radical cascade leading to unsaturated gamma-lactams.

Radical cyclization of dipeptides 1a-h proceeds smoothly to give five- and seven-membered rings in good to moderate total yields using Stork's catalytic tin hydride method. A radical is generated on a protecting group and translocated to the peptide moiety. Following a cyclization reaction, the vinyl radical can abstract hydrogen from a benzyl group on an amine, which results in elimination of the protected amine group. Encouraging results have notably been obtained with amino acids other than glycine.

Stereocontrol at the steady state in radical cyclizations of acyclic dihalides.

The first examples of manipulating stereocontrol solely by reaction topography in radical cyclizations starting from acyclic precursors are reported. The kinetic model for acyclic compound stereoselection is verified experimentally by conducting a series of radical cyclizations of 1,3-dihalo-2-(1-phenyl-3-butynyl)propanes with triphenyltin hydride and measuring the ratios of the products. Monohalide intermediates are observed for the first time, and evidence that bromide- and iodide-substituted radicals have different cyclization rate constants is provided.