In search of efficient 5-endo-dig cyclization of a carbon-centered radical: 40 years from a prediction to another success for the Baldwin rules

Despite being predicted to be stereoelectronically favorable by the Baldwin rules, efficient formation of a C-C bond through a 5-endo-dig radical cyclization remained unknown for more than 40 years. This work reports a remarkable increase in the efficiency of this process upon beta-Ts substitution, which led to the development of an expedient approach to densely functionalized cyclic 1,3-dienes. Good qualitative agreement between the increased efficiency and stereoselectivity for the 5-endo-dig cyclization of Ts-substituted vinyl radicals and the results of density functional theory analysis further confirms the utility of computational methods in the design of new radical processes. Although reactions of Br atoms generated through photochemical Ts-Br bond homolysis lead to the formation of cyclic dibromide side products, the yields of target bromosulfones in the photochemically induced reactions can be increased by recycling the dibromide byproduct into the target bromosulfones through a sequence of addition/elimination reactions at the exocyclic double bond. Discovery of a relatively efficient radical 5-endo-dig closure, accompanied by a C-C bond formation, provides further support to stereoelectronic considerations at the heart of the Baldwin rules and fills one of the last remaining gaps in the arsenal of radical cyclizations.