Silylated cyclohexadienes as new radical chain reducing reagents: preparative and mechanistic aspects.

Various silylated 1,4-cyclohexadienes are presented as superior tin hydride substitutes for the conduction of various radical chain reductions. Debrominations, deiodinations, and deselenations can be performed using these environmentally benign reagents. Furthermore, Barton-McCombie-type deoxygenations using silylated cyclohexadienes are described. Radical cyclizations, ring expansions, and Giese-type addition reactions with the new tin hydride substitutes are presented. The polymerization of styrene can be regulated using silylated cyclohexadienes. Rate constants for hydrogen atom abstraction from two 1-silyl-cyclohexadienes by primary C-radicals were determined. The effects of the cyclohexadiene substituents on the reaction outcomes are discussed. Finally, qualitative EPR experiments on silyl radical expulsion from silylated cyclohexadienyl radicals are presented.