Intramolecular homolytic substitution at the sulfur atom: an alternative way to generate phosphorus- and sulfur-centered radicals

Two efficient procedures involving tin hydride or thiophenol-mediated intramolecular homolytic substitution at the sulfur atom are reported. They lead to the generation of varied P(V)-centered radicals from the corresponding aryl or alkyne thiophosphorus substrates. The radical formed can be trapped by an olefin via an intermolecular addition, leading to the construction of C-P bonds. Thiophosphination of triple bonds was also achieved using a radical cycloisomerization process. Extension of the methodology to sulfur-containing species was examined. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.