Use of Fragmentation Probes in a Study of the Reduction Reactions of 8-B-4 Complexes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00077a042

The reduction of a number of mechanistic probes with several borate complexes, NaBH4, Li(C2H5)3BH, and lithium dimesityl borohydride, has been shown to occur by both an electron transfer-hydrogen atom abstraction mechanism and a hydride transfer process.Although the electron transfer-hydrogen atom abstraction mechanism can nearly always be detected or be initiated, it is usually only a minor reaction, and only when the reducing agent and/or the substrate is sterically hindered or when the acceptor is a strong oxidizing agent is the homolytic pathway preferred.