Diradical Generation via Relayed Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Feb 23;144(7):3137-3145. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c12360. Epub 2022 Feb 8.

Abstract

Diradical generation followed by radical-radical cross-coupling is a powerful synthetic tool, but its detailed mechanism has yet to be established. Herein, we proposed and confirmed a new model named relayed proton-coupled electron transfer (relayed-PCET) for diradical generation, which could open a door for new radical-radical cross-coupling reactions. Quantum mechanics calculations were performed on a selected carbene-mediated diradical cross-coupling reaction model and a designed model, and the exact electronic structural changes during the radical processes have been observed for the first time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't