Ti-Catalyzed Radical Generation/Rh-Catalyzed Hydrogen Atom Transfer

Significance

The authors describe a creative sustainable radical reduction by coupling a Ti-catalyzed radical generation, from the opening of epoxides, with a hydrogen atom transfer from hydrogenated Wilkinson’s catalyst. Thus, hydrogen acts as the hydrogen atom source, which eliminates the use of undesirable stoichiometric metals such as stannanes and silanes. The reaction tolerates sensitive functionalities such as halides, tosylates, and esters. Enantioselective examples are shown with Kagan’s complex.