Triethylborane-mediated tin-freeradical alkylation of N-alkoxycarbonyl-imines, such as N-Boc-, N-Cbz-, and N-Teoc-imines, proceeded smoothly at a low temperature (−78 to −20 °C) to give the corresponding adducts in high yield. Although the formation of isocyanate was the major unfavorable reaction at room temperature, a one-pot conversion of N-Boc-imine to N-ethoxycarbonyl-adduct was possible through
Acyloxymethyl radicals were generated from the corresponding iodomethyl esters and successfully underwent addition to the CN bond of N-Ts, N-PMP, and N-Dpp imines by the action of dimethylzinc or triethylborane. Ethyl acetate, toluene, and benzene as well as dichloromethane were suitable solvents. The utility of acyloxymethyl radicals as a hydroxymethyl anion equivalent was highlighted by the facile