Syntheses with Radicals—CC Bond Formation via Organotin and Organomercury Compounds [New Synthetic Methods (52)]

CC bond formation is one of the most important synthetic steps in the construction of organic molecules. In the last few years it has been increasingly achieved by radical addition to alkenes. In such reactions the adduct radicals have to be trapped by an donor subsequent to the CC bond formation in order to prevent polymerization. This task can be accomplished with organotin and organomercury hydrides, the use of which has led to new synthetic methods. The occurrence of radical chain reactions in which reactions take place between radicals and nonradicals is decisive for the success of the synthesis. In these cases small amounts of radical initiators suffice and numerous functional groups may be used in the CC bond‐forming reactions. The yields and selectivities of these radical reactions are often very high.