A radical exchange process: synthesis of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane derivatives of xanthates.

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) replacement as a bioisostere in drug molecules has an influence on their permeability, aqueous solubility and in vitro metabolic stability. Thus, the chemical installation of the BCP unit into a chemical entity remains a significant challenge from a synthetic point of view. Here, we have presented a new approach for the installation of the BCP unit on the xanthate moiety by means of a radical exchange process.