respectively, in the formation of triplet α,2- and α,4-DHTs, whose diradicalreactivity led to both radical and polar products. On the other hand, irradiation of the meta-precursor led to the singlet α,3-DHT isomer. The latter showed a marked preference for the formation of polar products and this was rationalized, as supported by computational evidence, via the involvement of a zwitterionic species arising through
Doubly radical: A novel entry to α,n‐didehydrotoluene (DHT) diradicals is disclosed and proceeds through the photochemical activation of (chlorobenzyl)trimethylsilanes with chloride loss and elimination of the SiMe3+ group (see scheme). The products formed in solution are indicative of the intermediacy of the three isomers of the α,n‐DHT.
The electrochemical reduction of benzyl and allyl halides carried out in the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane afforded the corresponding benzylsilanes and allylsilanes in satisfactory yields.
A series of 2-aryldihydrobenzofuran derivatives were successfully synthesized from the corresponding carbonyl compounds and (2-bromobenzyl)trimethylsilane by the one-pot benzylation-substitution procedure.