Radical additions of xanthates to vinyl epoxides and related derivatives: A powerful tool for the modular creation of quaternary centers

(Chemical Equation Presented) An open relationship: The triethylborane/O₂-mediated addition of xanthates to vinyl epoxides and derivatives represents an efficient process to form carbon-carbon bonds. Complex structures can be rapidly assembled in a modular, convergent manner, under mild conditions, using readily available reagents (see scheme, Bn = benzyl). The formation of quaternary centers proved especially facile.